Intrepid gastronomic duo Rich Jevons and Holly Spanner venture out to the Chapel Allerton branch of the Olive Restaurant to sample the Grecian wares.
Right from the outset of our visit to the Chapel Allerton branch of the Olive Tree restaurant we are greeted like old friends or family in true Greek style. Given plenty of time to peruse the mouth-watering menu we choose our starters to share: three dips (a selection of taramoslata, tsatiki and hummus) and Gharithopitakia (triangles of filo stuffed with small prawns, onions, white wine and dill).
These really whet your appetite for the main dish with their tangy flavours and fresh zest. Yanis, our host, even brings over an extra dip to try, Milantsan salada, which is a delightful concoction with aubergine and mixed herbs.
For the main I take the vegetarian option which is Spamakopitta, spinach, feta cheese, spring onion and dill in filo. The pastry is so delicate and flaky and this adds to the light yet rich nature of the dish. Holly chooses the chargrilled chicken kebab which is basked in olive oil, lime juice and oregano to give it its fullness but again a lightness too. Although the restaurant is entirely full we feel like we could be all on our own in a little Greek island staying with a friendly food-loving family!
And speaking of Greek island’s reminds me of Leonard Cohen’s Greek home in Hydra which he bought for $1500 in the Sixties where the way of life is much as it was in the 11th century. This sense of simplicity, happiness and contentment with the simple things in life, is definitely the Greek way, and you will certainly feel a little piece of that here at the Olive Tree.
The filo pastry theme continues with the desserts that are Baklava, a nutty number with almonds, pistachios and walnuts; and Staphitithopitta, with a filling of sultanas, orange juice, Flifar orange licquer and a hint of cinnamon. These top off the evening quite deliciously and look just as good as they taste. Top marks from Culture Vulture’s gastro-journos!
Photos: Holly Spanner
http://olivetreegreekrestaurant.co.uk/chapel_allerton/