A Culinary Journey to Greece: Discover the Authentic Flavors at Opa! Mezze Grille

15 West Homes July 25, 2024

Embarking on a culinary adventure that transcends borders, Opa! Mezze Grille offers a taste of Greece right in the heart of Ashburn. Founded by Konstantinos Drosos, a native Greek with a profound passion for traditional cooking, this dining gem celebrates the art of the gyro and much more. Drosos, who spent his formative years in Greece, returned to his roots to master the gyro-making craft under a renowned local expert. As a result, he brought back a wealth of knowledge and a recipe that’s become the talk of the town.

The Art of the Perfect Gyro

At Opa! Mezze Grille, the gyro reigns supreme. Drosos’s signature offering, a pita sandwich generously loaded with piggy and crispy french fries, represents a culinary masterpiece. The meat, marinated and meticulously grilled on a vertical spit, delivers a symphony of textures – at times tender and crispy, at others delightfully chewy. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of Greek cuisine.

Beyond the Gyro: A Taste of Innovation

While the gyro might draw you in, the menu’s depth keeps you exploring. The kolokithokeftedes, or zucchini fritters, present a vegetarian delight that could easily rival the best falafel. These fritters, made from shredded squash and potato, offer a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the tang of warmed tzatziki sauce. It’s a dish that’s simple in concept but complex in flavor, showcasing the innovative spirit of Greek cooking.

Saganaki: A Melodic Cheese Symphony

Opa! Mezze Grille’s saganaki is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity. This dish, featuring a cheese akin to halloumi, strikes a perfect balance between firmness and melt, coated in a delicate flour batter and brightened with a dash of lemon. It’s a cheese lover’s dream, offering a taste of Greece’s rich dairy traditions without the need for a plane ticket.

Sweet Endings with Baklava

No Greek dining experience is complete without baklava, and Drosos crafts this iconic dessert with a master’s touch. Infused with honey, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and lemon, his baklava is an ode to the sweet tooth, balancing moisture and richness in a purely decadent way. This dessert is not just food; it’s a piece of Drosos’s heart, shared with his guests in every bite.

Experience Greece in Ashburn

Opa! Mezze Grille is a journey to Greece, offering an escape to a world of flavors, textures, and aromas. Whether you’re a gyro aficionado or a culinary explorer, this dining destination promises an authentic experience that’s both delicious and deeply personal. So, check out Konstantinos Drosos and his team as they bring the spirit of Greek hospitality and cuisine to life, right here in Ashburn, Virginia.

Do you have a favorite spot or small business you’d like to share with us? Please do so in the comments below or email us.