The Brad's Adventures in Food

Update: Volos Taverna is now Ziziki's Taverna in Addison

...ran over here with "Teach" this afternoon - A quickie iPhone report:

Volos / Ziziki's owner Costa Arabatzis was prepping for Ziziki's booth at Taste Addison and explained that the Volos name was simply confusing his loyal Ziziki's customer base - and in this market, why rock the boat! So a couple weeks ago - a quick name change. Business is already up. Same great vibe and satisfying food.

 

^ Calamari; ^ Leg of Lamb Gyro.

The name change comes just in time for the popular Taste Addison event - and as an added bonus, Ziziki's Taverna won the Grand Prize in the festival's first ever food competition with it's Organic Free Range Sliced Leg of Lamb topped with Sweet Red Onions, Eggplant Salata flavored with Truffled Salt; Served on homemade Pita Bread and finished with Ziziki Sauce. (A different version of the dish above.)

I'll go report on the dish and the event over the weekend. Happy Eating!

A Taste & More: Ziziki's Taverna (formerly Volos), Addison

When Teiichi Sakurai suggested we meet at this new place in Addison Walk (SW corner of Beltline and the Tollway) I was intrigued, to say the least. "Teach" and I don't waste our dinners out.

Volos Taverna is the latest offering from Mary and Costa Arabatzis (Ziziki’s).

 

^Keftedes - country-style Greek meatballs served on a plum tomato sauce; ^Loli-Pop Lamb Chops. (These and other "Mezzes" - or small plates - are only $5 at Happy Hour. 4-6:30.)

The food, atmosphere, and general appeal of the place has already made it a favorite with the peeps here at the office. Much more to come on this welcome addition to Addison's casual comfort food caboodle. Stay Tuned!

... The rest of the story:

So, what are Teiichi and I doing at Volos in Addison?

^ Volos owner Costa Arabatzis and Teiichi Sakurai (Tei-An) go way back.

In fact Costa sold his M Street Bistro space at 2014 Greenville Ave. to "Teach" in 1995 - and Teppo was born. They've remained friends, sharing the trials and tribulations of running numerous restaurants in this crazy town over the years. 

 

I had noticed the Volos sign go up on my way to Starbucks one day, but it didn't register as a restaurant from my passing glance (I'm trying to get Costa to add the word "Taverna" to the sign!). Then, last month Teach texted me - "Let's go check out my friends new place - Close to you."

I really like the walk up and patio bar (open to the restaurant). The finish-out (by Bolsa design team Plan B) is very handsome and so welcoming... I immediately fell for the space. The bar is awesome. Time to eat:

 

^Mediterranean Shrimp in Garlic, Lemon and Wine; ^Meat Tiropitas - flaky fillo stuffed with ground meat flavored with garlic.

^Crespella Taverna - crepes stuffed with ground meat, served on Italian plum tomatoes and baked with béchamel

^Trio Platter - Artichoke Hummus, Tarama and Eggplant Dip with grilled pita; ^ Tamara - a Mediterranean caviar spread.

^Mushroom and Arugula Flatbread; ^a BIG bowl of Creamy Avgolemono w/ Meatballs - garlic, thyme, egg and lemon with orzo.

^Slow-Braised Free-Range Lamb Shank; ^Gigante Beans  baked with plum tomatoes, Feta and pancetta.

^Cast Iron Potatoes baked with onions, Feta and Pancetta; ^"Baklava" Cheesecake.

This stuff is rich, flavorful, and yes - cheesy. Very satisfying. A few doors down at Kenny's Wood Fired Grill, chef Kenny Bowers has really hit the right note with the local market - offering well done, oversized, big flavor fare. I'd like to see some of that crowd spill over and give Volos a shot, as well. Comfort ain't a bad thing - not at all.