Mezze At Its Best

When Jose Andres talks about food, people should listen.  I've told you before about Jaleo, one of his other famed establishments, but my favorite of his, and perhaps one of my favorites anywhere, is Zaytinia.

Zaytinia is located in Washington, DC's Penn Quarter District.  It wasn't there when I went to GW back in the early 90's, but since it opened I have been there at least once annually during my trips to the DC area to visit my aunt.  (If you ever watched Top Chef, Chef Mike Isabella used to work there.)

As the website boasts, "Under the direction of celebrated chef José Andrés and his  ThinkFoodGroup, Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served up in a sleek and modern setting. Building on Jose’s deep knowledge of Mediterranean cooking and years of research and travel, the menu features shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines, making Zaytinya one of the most exciting restaurants in Washington. Since opening in 2002, Zaytinya ranks consistently as a Top DC Dining Destination."

Mezze are to the Eastern Mediterranean what tapas are to Spanish cuisine, small plates of food, each bursting with flavor and begging to be shared, leaving opportunity to try many different dishes in one sitting.

Butternut Squash Hummus

My standard "go to" mezze are the seasonal sauteed mushrooms with with dates and almonds, and the roasted cauliflower with sultans, caper berries and pine nuts.  On this trip I also had the crispy brussels afelia with barberries and coriander seeds, the beet salata with crimson and yellow beets, shaved fennel, upland cress and spiced walnuts, and my favorite, the butternut squash hummus!  I could have eaten each delectable bite by the spoonful (and it had not been accompanied by sliced cucumbers I likely would have!)  Honestly, it was so good that I asked the chef for the recipe.  Simply wonderful.

All of this was paired with a wonderful, full bodied Greek red wine, recommended to me by our server.  I must tell you that the waitstaff is so helpful, it truly enhances the meal.  They are always knowledgable about which dishes are vegan, which can be adapted, and which cannot, and never seem frustrated by the question (as too many others do.)

If you happen to find yourself in DC, or know you will be soon, contact Zaytinia.  You will need a reservation as it continues to be a hot spot ~ and it's clear why!