New Sixth Avenue spot still waiting on booze
Posted: Oct 11, 2007 by Jennifer Johnson
I missed the Tacoma Greek Festival last weekend. And I still had Greek on the brain. With visions of traditional Greek white wine Retsina dancing in my head, a drive down Sixth Avenue to give Opa! Greek Cuisine a try was in order. At 6:30 p.m. Sunday, the brightly lit dual dining rooms were completely vacant sans a table of two diners.
The spacious building sports the expected Greek décor with blues and whites, curved arches, plants and Mediterranean themed paintings, and photography of fishing towns and boats hanging randomly on the walls.
Sitting in a comfy booth, I dare to dream of other Greek grapes — popular red Macedonian Xinomavro would be fantastic, but three little words from the hostess’ lips — “No liquor license” — dashes any notion of sipping a Grecian blend.
Out of pure politeness, we order cheese saganaki ($8.50) from the vast list of mezedes (appetizers) instead of abruptly leaving. This tasty dish has always been a favorite, and it’s hard to mess up. Opa! Greek Cuisine uses Kefalograviera cheese to quickly fry in light olive oil before the four-by-four-inch of gooey goodness is placed on a sizzling round plate. Then the presentation begins at our table with brandy liberally poured over the cheese, a match is held to it and “Opa!” the server and kitchen assistant cry out and flames dance up. Half a lemon is squeezed over top; the juice successfully douses the mini-pyre. Served with lightly toasted pita bread brushed with olive oil and spices, the cheese is hot, with crisped edges and a delicious pungent flavor. We gobble it quickly.
Another visit is a must.
Can’t wait for Arni Lonia, a tangy, garlic and tomato-based stew of slow simmered leg of lamb.
No take-out menus are available, but the staff offers promises of wine and other alcoholic beverages being available before two more months are out. A phone call to Bombay Bistro reveals they are in the same boat. We pay the tab and head across the parking lot to Bella Vita Italian Restaurant & Martini Lounge, another new spot on this foodie’s list.
[Opa! Greek Cuisine, 6401 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.0505]