Healthy History Behind Hummus

Is there a side dish that has become more trendy and popular in recent years than hummus? 

The tasty dip is often enjoyed with pita or flatbread or even small whole-wheat chips. The wide variety of hummus available is a true testament to it’s popularity: there’s garlic, roasted red pepper, avocado and even lean hummus.

So what’s the buzz around hummus? What is it and where did it come from?

Unfortunately, hummus isn’t as Greek as many assume it to be. But it is a staple of many of our Greek appetizers.

Hummus is a dish most popular in the Middle East and is made of mashed chickpeas, sesame seeds and a variety of seasonings particular to that flavor. Common ingredients are olive oil, garlic, red pepper, tahini and lemon juice.

And we’re happy to agree that hummus is a dish that’s good for you. We've been discussing the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and even healthy options for Happy Hour. With hummus - the vitamins and minerals in hummus can help give you energy and keep your skin, liver, hair and eyes healthy.

We serve hummus as a delicious side dish - so if you haven't had a chance to try it yet, stop by and see us and taste for yourself!

The Best Happy Hour In Dallas

Last week we posted about 'eating lean' and having a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Just because you’re wanting to 'eat clean' doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what might just be the best Happy Hour in Dallas!  If you're eating healthy - you can splurge a little. A healthy lifestyle means you are eating right, exercising and 'doing the right thing' by your body on a regular basis. This sets the stage to be able to 'live it up a little' once in a while. You know what we have to say to that... OPA!

Come by and sip on our 100-calorie Skinny Margaritas. Subtract the calories without subtracting any of the taste and we’ll bet you’ll be coming back for more. Or - enjoy some exclusive craft beers or one of our other cocktails. OF course - the Greeks have always known that wine sports fantastic health benefits.

Have the best of both worlds at Zizikis - Make it your ritual! OPA!

Eating Lean and Clean

With so many popular diets going on right now, it seems that more people are starting to really reconsider what it is that they’re eating. They want lean meats and clean eating, and luckily for most, we’ve got both!

One of the main things that makes the Mediterranean (or Greek) diet so popular is the wide variety of lean meats that have been proven to be better for your heart and for your health.

Lamb chops are a common staple in Greek cuisine and are especially popular on the Ziziki’s menu, the best of Dallas Mediterranean food. Enjoy some roasted lamb chop layered with béchamel and herbed potatoes in our Mousaka dish or pair lamb with roasted chicken, shrimp and organic sausage in our Grek Paella, a dish that won’t disappoint!

Grilled asparagus, sautéed veggies and marinated onions are common side dishes to many of our delicious meals, so you’ll be sure to have another serving of some delicious and healthy foods.

Stop by and give the lean and clean diet a try at Ziziki’s because it’s better for your health - it’s science!

The Art of a Craft Beer - Dallas Happy Hour

There’s nothing like enjoying a unique craft beer - perfect for a special occasion or even just after a long day. 

Locations around the globe embrace their own craft beers because they’re different than the rest. What makes craft brewed beers different is their small, independent and traditional attitude – they’re not mainstream and they refuse be. It’s the taste of 'hard work' and a 'job-well-done'.

Almost as unique as the beers are the brewers themselves, because of their drive to create something that won’t be commercial. There can be much disdain for the 'Big Three brewers', which opens the doors for the everyday man to brew something to his fitting.

Craft brewing isn’t a job to make ends meet. It’s an art - and a craft that is carefully honed through years of experimentation and risk. They are to be savored and enjoyed with family and friends.

So enjoy them! 

We’re now carrying new lines of craft brewed beers ranging from Katy, Texas all the way to Stephen’s Point, Wisconsin. While many are offered in traditional 12 oz. long neck bottles, you’ll be surprised at how delicious a craft brewed beer can taste from a can. 

Craft beer not your style? Check out our menu for our exclusive Dallas Happy Hour - and learn why we are the best Happy Hour in town!

Stop by, join us, and celebrate hard work with a craft brewed beer.

Greek's Love Celebrating Brunch

Greeks are known to brag on how many things can tie back to Greek culture – but one of our favorites… doesn’t. Brunch is not native to Greece, but can be enjoyed by Greeks nonetheless!

Brunch is a common meal across the globe and is a popular meal choice for locals to choose when dining out on the weekends and as your best Dallas Greek Restaurant, we like to think we put our own spin on it!

The combination of breakfast and lunch to create “brunch” opens wide the opportunities to mix and match different entrée options. While eggs may seem only suitable for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch – both are acceptable in a brunch.

Brunch is a common meal to celebrate special occasions with, so if you or a loved one is celebrating a birthday or an event – join us in celebration for brunch!

We’ve got a wide variety of wines (both Greek and non-Greek) and craft beers that will allow you to taste the delicacy that is the Greek food culture.

After multiple nominations as the BEST BRUNCH in Dallas and many restaurant reviews, we take great pride in what we offer for brunch. So join us and celebrate your next brunch occasion at Ziziki’s! Opa!

If you haven't already - you can vote here!

The Role of Meals in Greek History

Dining in Greece isn’t just a time to get together for a meal - it’s an experience!  And at Ziziki's - it doesn't get more authentic - both the Greek cuisine and the Greek atmosphere. Opa!

The cornerstone of Greek cuisine is large dinners shared between friends and family alike.

This spirit transcends the delicious breads, meats and vegetables - it embodies the true essence of what it means to be Greek. In Greece, how food is prepared is nearly as much as a conversation as what’s shared over dinner. It’s not unusual to hear multiple strong opinions on how to prepare various meats and what ingredients add the most flavor!

Everyone, from the local market to the coastal fishermen, all have great suggestions and experience.

It’s part of the reason that Greek culture embodies so many distinct different dishes and options. Greece is a very difficult place to grow crops and produce yet ironically food is nearly a full-blown obsession.

So how did Greek dishes become so well-known with poor agriculture and so many options? Simply put, because meals in Greece are more than just meals. Grecians work hard throughout the day, perfecting their crafts up until its time to come together and share memories. The Greek obsession with food is little about food, it’s about family. 

Greek food is based on a simple, balance meal using a large portion of either lamb, fish or chicken, delicate cheeses, fresh tomatoes and vegetables all accented by a delicious and soft glass of wine.

Join our family and dine with your friends for a true Greek cuisine experience!

Greek Salads - Diverse and Delicious

Greek salads are as diverse and delicious as Greek wines. Salads are often eaten alongside the main dishes and rarely contain lettuce - instead, Greek salads are garnishes with beans, olives, dressings and fresh vegetables. So eat like a Greek native and enjoy some of these hearty Mediterranean salads.

Chopped Greek Salad with Chicken Some delicious chicken accented with fresh broccoli and tomatoes, chopped into small pieces, makes for a hearty Greek salad. Enjoy this dish with pita bread and hummus.

Smokey Eggplant Grilled Salad - Have you ever tasted grilled eggplant? It’s delicious! The mellow taste of eggplant is balanced by smokey paprika, vinegar and a light dressing.

Chickpea Salad - Add to the Mediterranean flavor of a Greek salad by adding chickpeas and ranch to a lettuce-less salad. If ranch isn’t your choice, this salad is just as tasty with a tangy vinaigrette.

Other great treats to try alongside Greek salads are baked parmesan tomato slices.

Feel free to step outside your comfort zone when experimenting with Mediterranean salads and open your tastebuds to the delicious salads made without lettuce. Stop by and give our Greek salads a taste for a truly authentic taste of Greece cuisine.