Cava Mezze Restaurant Review
This Greek Restaurant In The Washington DC Area Is A Hidden Gem
May 11, 2009
A unique restaurant set in a shopping plaza strip, Cava Mezze is a great place for authentic, fresh Greek cuisine and a relaxing atmostphere.
There are many adjectives that come to mind when you walk into Cava Mezze. Cozy, warm, romantic, comfortable and inviting, with delicious aromas floating in the air. The name alone suggests exotic, sensual and tasty. This gem in the middle of Rockville, Maryland is the ideal spot for a Saturday night dinner among girlfriends, or a date night with a significant other. But unless one peruses The Washingtonian Magazine religiously or lives in that particular area, it is unlikely one would hear of Cava Mezze. And maybe that is what makes it so special.
The Location: Off The Beaten Path In Rockville, Maryland
Located across from a Giant supermarket in a strip mall and hidden from the main road, folks would miss this restaurant if it weren't for the jubilant diners seated on the small outdoor patio, or the sound of laughter and conversation bursting from the inside. Cava Mezze does not accept reservations, and that is probably due to their popularity in the neighborhood. But if one is lucky, seating could happen within twenty minutes.
The Cuisine: In Greece, Sharing is Happiness
Cava Mezze is traditional Greek with a twist of modern. The food is as fresh as can be and the choices infinite; folks should prepare to spend a good half hour making your way through the menu. Cava Mezze was created by a group of childhood friends who wanted to recreate the authentic Greek dining experience they grew up with at home - eating "mezze" or small plates of food that are shared by everyone at the table and as fresh as possible. They managed to not only create the very dishes they grew up on but also the atmosphere to go with it - almost like dining at a friend's home. Since the grand opening in 2006, Cava Mezze has received numerous accolades from The Washingtonian Magazine and The Washington Post.
The Best Dishes at Cava Mezze: Spinach Pastries, FlambéCheese And Grilled Platters
The most outstanding and popular dishes at Cava Mezze are:
Saganaki: A form of "cheese flambé," a block of "Kefalograviera" cheese is served on a wood platter and, doused in liquor, it is lit up and displayed flaming at the table for a fabulous experience.
Spanakopita: By far a favorite, the Spanakopita is a small pastry-wrap filled with fresh spinach, onion and feta cheese. The dough's crispy and light texture makes it especially tasty.
The Grilled Meats Platter: A perfect option for a large group, this platter has enough to go around for at least six people. It has lamb chops, filet mignon, chicken steak, slouvlaki and grilled meatballs. For those who are not into meat, there is also a seafood mezze platter option with crab cakes, shrimp and calamari.
Desserts: If by miracle one is not full after sampling the above dishes, rich desserts such as the baklava are sure to please.
Cava Mezze Is An Authentic Greek Experience
Overall, it is well worth the effort to go off the beaten path and experience. A dinner for two with wine averages an affordable $45 to $50. Cava Mezze is located at 9713 Traville Gateway Dr., Rockville, Maryland and at (301) 309-9090.
The great news is that just two weeks ago on May 6, 2009, Cava Mezze opened a new and second location in Washington DC's Capitol Hill neighborhood. For complete information on Cava Mezze, visit the Cava Mezze website.
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