Dinner

Once upon a time In 1500 B.C., where the sky and the sea Meet

in the Aegean Archipelago… in Greece, the volcano on the island of Thera erupted…

…lava, pumice and ash covered everything. The ash traveled with the wind

and an enormous tidal wave advanced by the sea…

The horror reached the island of Crete and destroyed the palace of King Minoa,

the son of Zeus (king of the Gods of Olympus) and Europa.

DCenturies later under the ruins,

somehow miraculously, the delicate frescoes, marvelous paintings,

and magnificent sculptures remained alive to celebrate the beauty of life.

Both in Thera and in Crete, storage bays were found filled with

looms, medicine chests, grain, vases of oil…

…and delightful pottery embellished with swallows, dolphins, wild goats and caper and saffron plants…

….memories, aromatic essences, and Flavors from Crete in a journey of sensations,

give us with open hand Taverna Cretekou — The tavern of the Cretan.

N

join us thursday evenings for live music

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Mezedes For TwoOUZERI MEZEDES – 15.95

A sampler of small tastes — Tarama, Tzatziki, Fava, and Dolmades.

Served with Chilled Ouzo.

HTAPODAKI KRASSATO – CRETE – 18.50 Grilled Baby Octopus Lightly Marinated in Olive Oil and Wine.

SATYRIKON – 15.95A Combination of Greek Appetizers.

rama

SAGANAKI ME GARIDES – THESSALONIKI – 17.95Shrimp and Feta Cheese Sautéed Until Crusty. Served with Lemon.

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In Greece, it is customary to go to a Mezedopolion and drink ouzo or wine and select a number of favorite small dishes.

Ouzeri Mezedes originated in antiquity and reveal the very social nature of Modern Greeks.

We at Taverna Cretekou encourage you to enjoy the Greek lifestyle.

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GLUTEN FREE DISHES ARE MARKED WITH THIS SYMBOL VEGETARIAN DISHES ARE MARKED WITH THIS SYMBOL: ❈

FOR A MORE HEALTH CONSCIOUS DIET, WE SERVE OLIVE OIL WITH HERBS, INSTEAD OF BUTTER, WITH YOUR BREAD BASKET.

ENJOY A SECOND BASKET OF BREAD — 1.50

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Mezedes❂ TARAMOSALATA – TRADITIONAL –8.95

A Taverna Cretekou Specialty.Imported Red Caviar, Olive Oil and Lemon Whipped to a Light Mousse.

❈ MELITZANOSALATA – SMIRNI – 8.50A Soft Mousse of Eggplant, Fresh Garlic, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Herbs.

❈ TZATZIKI – CRETE – 8.50A Refreshing Blend of Homemade Yogurt, Cucumber and Garlic.

❈ ❂ FAVA – IN SEASON – 8.50Fava Bean Mousse Flavored with Olive Oil and Lemon. Served with Onions.

❈ ❂ DOLMADAKIA – SMIRNI – 7.95Grape Leaves Filled with Rice, Scallions and Dill. Marinated in Olive Oil.

❈ IMAM BAILDI – SMIRNI – 8.95Baby Eggplant Stuffed with Tomatoes and Onions, Pine Nuts and Raisins.

❈ ❂ AGRIA MANITARIA – KASTORIA – 8.95Wild Mushrooms Sautéed with Garlic and Herbs.

❈ MANITARIA PSYLORITI – CRETE – 8.95A Taverna Cretekou Specialty. Broiled Mushrooms Stuffed with Feta, Spinach and Herbs.

❈ SPANAKOTIROPITA – TRADITIONAL – 8.75Filo Filled with Spinach and Feta Cheese and Baked to a Golden Crust.

❈ TIROPITA – ANDROS – 8.95Our Chef’s Special Recipe. Manouri, Feta and Kefalograviera Cheeses Wrapped in Puff Pastry and Filo.

FETA SAGANAKI – CRETE – 8.75Broiled Feta with Fresh Basil and Tomatoes. Drizzled with Olive Oil and Fresh Oregano.

❈ SAGANAKI – TRADITIONAL – 8.95

KALAMARAKIA TIGANITA – TRADITIONAL – 9.50Tender Squid Gently Fried. Served with Lemon.

Kasseri Cheese Sautéed Until Crusty. Served — Sizzling — with Lemon.

Our Chef’s Special Recipe. Manouri, Feta and Kefalograviera Cheeses Wrapped in Filo.

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SoupTraditional Greek Chicken Soup with Frothy Egg and Lemon.

Salads

❂ ELLINIKI SALATA – 10.95Mixed Baby Greens with Greek Olives, Feta,

Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Anchovies and Red Onions. Dressed with Olive Oil, Vinegar and Herbs.

❂ KOTOPOULO SALATA – 13.95Grilled Chicken on a Bed of

Organic Country Baby Greens with Beets.

❈ ❂ ANAMIKTI SALATA – 7.50 Mixed Salad with Country Greens

with Feta and House Dressing.

❈ ❂ PATZARI SALATA – 10.95Beets, Mixed Greens,Feta, and Walnuts

KALAMARI SALATA – 14.75Gently Fried Squid

Served Over Mixed Baby Greens

❂ GARIDOSALATA – 16.95 Grilled Shrimp

with mixed Baby Greens in a Light Lemon Dressing.

❈ ❂ HORIATIKI – 10.95 Traditional Greek Country

Salad of Tomatoes, Onions, Cucumbers, Green Peppers, Capers, Black Olives and Feta. Seasoned with Olive Oil and Herbs.

❂ AVGOLEMONO – 6.25

TraditionalsTAVERNA CRETEKOU SPECIAL – 20.95

A Combination of Traditional Greek Dishes Including Moussaka, Pastitsio, Dolmades, Soudsoukakia and Spanakopita.

PASTITSIO – TRADITIONAL – 18.50Baked Ground Sirloin and Ziti Pasta. Topped with Parmesan Cheese and Bechamel Sauce.

MOUSSAKA – CRETE – 18.95Layers of Ground Sirloin, Eggplant and Zucchini. Topped with Bechamel Sauce.

SPANAKOTIROPITES – TRADITIONAL – 18.50Filo Filled with Spinach and Feta Cheese and Baked to a Golden Crust.

❈ TIROPITA – ANDROS – 17.95Our Chef’s Special Recipe. Manouri, Feta and Kefalograviera Cheeses Wrapped in Filo.

SOUDSOUKAKIA – SMIRNI – 18.50Ground Beef Morsels in a Mediterranean Sauce with Cumin.

DOLMADES AVGOLEMONO – TRADITIONAL – 18.50Ground Sirloin, Rice and Mint Wrapped in Grape Leaves. Finished in Avgolemono Sauce.

KORFU DAVA – SMIRNI – 21.95Cubes of Veal Baked with Tomatoes and Eggplant.

Topped with Kasseri Cheese. Finished with Red Wine and Baked in a Casserole.

TORNEDO KRASSATO – ATHENS – 35.95Medallion of Beef Tenderloin Sautéed in Butter and Herbs. Laced with Mavrodaphne Wine.

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Vegetarian❈ ❂ VEGETABLES TIS IMERAS – 16.95

KotopouloKOTOPOULO KALAMATA – 19.95

Our Chef’s Very Special Recipe. Sauteed Medallions of Chicken Simmered in a Sauce of Tomatoes,

Kalamata Olives, Red Wine, Fresh Basil and Herbs.

❂ KOTOPOULO KEBAB – TRADITIONAL – 18.95 Breast of Chicken

Marinated and Broiled on a Skewer with Vegetables.

❂ KOTOPOULO LEMONATO – KOS – 17.95Broiled Chicken Basted with Olive Oil, Lemon Juice and Fine Herbs.

Layers of Grilled Zucchinis, Eggplants, Green-Red Peppers and Tomatoes Seasoned with Olive Oil and Herbs. Topped with Feta Cheese and Kalamata Olive.

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ArniEXOHIKON – CRETE – 22.95

Specialty of Taverna. Small Morsels of Lamb Baked with Three Cheeses, Artichoke, Peas, Carrots, Onions and Pine Nuts.

Wrapped in Filo.

ARNI YOUVETSI – TRADITIONAL – 22.95Braised Shank of Lamb Served Greek Style with Orzo.

ARNI KAPAMA – TRADITIONAL – 22.95Braised Shank of Lamb with Fresh String Beans in a Light Tomato Sauce.

❂ ARNI SHISHKEBAB – TRADITIONAL – 22.95 Lamb Marinated with Lemon, Olive Oil, Garlic and Oregano.

Broiled on a Skewer with Tomatoes, Onions and Peppers.

❂ ARNAKI KIKLADITIKO – CYCLADES – 22.95 Specialty of Taverna. Braised Lamb with Black Olives, Red Wine, Fresh and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

❂ PAIDAKIA – TRADITIONAL – 35.95 Broiled Baby Lamb Chops Seasoned with Oregano, Olive Oil and Lemon Juice.

Thalassina❂ PSARI SKARAS – MARKET PRICE

Ask Your Waiter for the Fresh Fish of the Day.

❂ GARIDES CRETEKOU – CRETE – 24.95Prawns Sautéed with Fresh Tomato, Garlic, Feta and White Wine.

Served in a Casserole.

GLOSSA AEGEOU – AEGEAN – 22.95Flounder Stuffed with Spinach, Feta and Pine Nuts.

Served in Light Cream, Wine and Lemon Sauce.

KALAMARAKIA TIGANITA – TRADITIONAL – 19.95Tender Squid Gently Fried. Served with a Wedge of Lemon.

From Our Ancient Greek Menu (Athens, 330 B.C.)

❂ PSARI ME AGINARES – 23.95 Fish Sautéed with Artichokes, Spiced with Dill and Fennel.

❂ PSARI ME SPANAKI – 23.95Oven-Baked Fish with Spinach, Leaks and Scallions. Dressed with Coriander.

Consuming raw or undercooked meat may increase your risk of foodborne illness

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— PARTIES OF FIVE & OVER —A Gratuity of 18% Will Be Automatically Included.

DessertsMILOPITA – 5.95

Greek “Apple Fritters.” Filo Pastry Stuffed with Apple Slices. Served Hot.

BAKLAVA – 6.95 CREME CARAMEL – 6.75Freshly Ground Walnuts Layered in Filo Pastry. Homemade Light Custard.

RIZOGALO – 6.75A Light Semolina Custard Pastry Our Special Recipe of Rice Pudding. Topped with Filo and Cinnamon.

Topped with Honey and Walnuts.

❁From Our Ancient Greek Menu (Athens, 400 B.C. )

Aphrodite’s Apricots Poached in a White Wine and Orange Zest Sauce with Honey, Walnuts, and Yogurt.

Lemon Cream Topped with Grape Preserves.

CoffeesZORBA COFFEE – 8.95

The Perfect Ending to a Perfect Meal. Hot Coffee Blended with Ouzo, Crème de Cacao, Coffee Liqueur and Whipped Cream.

AMERICAN COFFEE – 2.75

GREEK COFFEE – 3.95

HOMEMADE YOGURT – 7.75

VERIKOKA APHRODITE – 7.95

CREMA LEMONIOU ME STAFILI GLYKO – 7.95

GALAKTOBOUREKO – 6.75

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Wines from GreeceWHITE

Taverna Cretekou’s Choice

SANTORINI – GALVALAS – A crisp, refreshing island wine with balanced fruit and acidity. ................................... 39.95

MALAMATINA – THESSALONIKI............................ SMALL BOTTLE ................................................. 26.95Traditional appellation resinated dry white wine.

RETSINA KOURTAKI – KOURTAKI – ATTICA ............................................................................... 37.95The traditional appellation wine of Greece. This dry, light-bodied wine is slightly pine resinated during fermentation.

APHRODITE ....................................................................................................................................... 38.95Classic, crisp, dry white wine with a delicate aroma of fresh cut hay and stone fruit. Served chilled and accompanies fish, poultry, salads and light snacks.

KEO XYNISTERI ................................................................................................................................. A lively, crisp, dry white wine with delicate aroma and smooth taste, vinified at the Mallia winery from Xynisteri grape. Ideally served with salads, cheese, white meat and seafood.

MOSCHOFILERO – ERASMIOS ............................................................................................................. 39.95A unique variety from Greece showing aromas of fruit, pleasant acidity and delightful aftertaste.

AMETHYSTOS – ADRIAN – DRAMA ...................................................................................................... 46.95Excellent dry wine by Domaine Constantin Lazaridis.

TSELEPOS CHARDONNAY – MARMARIA ............................................................................................. 46.00Fruity and elegant Chardonnay with balanced oak at the finish.

CHARDONNAY – HATZIMICHALIS – CHALKIDIKI .................................................................................. 48.00

Reminiscent of the Rhine Valley Wine. Smooth dry white with nose of oak. Honey flavored from Chardonnay grapes from Athos.

ROSÉ

RODITYS ............................................................................................................................................................ 37.95A fruity rosé wine produced from the Rodity grape of the Peloponnese. Fresh and smooth with a clean aftertaste.

39.95

– ................................... 38.95Taverna Cretekou Light and crisp, with concentrated aromas ......................

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We Always Carry More Wines Than Those Listed Above.

Please Ask Your Waiter for Assistance.

Wines from GreeceRED

Taverna Cretekou’s Choice

NOSTOS – HANIA – CRETE – MANOUSAKIS WINERY ............................................................................ 43.95The Wine Advocate #130—87 pts.

DOMAINE D’AHERA

CALLIGA RUBIS – calliga – Cefalonia

....................................................................................................................... 41.95Deep red dry wine with an aroma of smoke and blackberries, the palate is rich and long with brambles and subtle integrated oak. Perfect with all red meat dishes, and the Greek meze.

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42.95

OTHELLO 39.95

MERLOT TETRAMYTHOS – PELOPONNESOS – SKOURAS WINERY................................................ 42.95Full-bodied, dry red wine with flavors of plum and berries. Forward fruit on the palate and the nose showing a fine nutty character.

SYRAH – PROTOPAPPAS .......................................................................................................................... 44.95A full body red wine with mellow characteristics, showing hluts and violet, spices and blackberry fruits.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. Fruit-forward with ripe red berries and a hint of sweet vanilla on the nose. Full bodied with velvety tannins and a long, balanced finish.

AMETHYSTOS – LAZARIDIS .......................................................................................................................... 49.95Combination of Cabernet, Merlot and Agiorgitiko. It ages in French oak barrels.

cabernet sauvignon/merlot................................................................................... 55.00

HOUSE GLASS 1/2 LITRE

RED, WHITE OR ROSE .................................................................... 8.50 .......... 22.95

GREEK RED, WHITE ........................................................................ 8. 23.95 RODITYS OR RETSINA ................................................................... 8.95 ........... 23.95 COMMANDARIA ST. JOHN – CYPRUS ..................................... 9.95

Sweet Dessert Wine.

MAVRODAPHI DOMESTICA – ACHAIA ................................... 9.95

Special Greek Wine. Thick and purple. Fruit is more baked apple and apricot. Freshness of spice and deep caramel.

Mellowed sweetness with plenty of ripe flavors; finishing light and clean.

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Red dry wine with a rich berry-fruit aroma and a soft full palate. Ideal with red meat dishes, and casserole food.

A light to medium dry wine with a smooth character and beautiful aroma. Perfect with mediterranean cuisine.

Ktima Tselepos –

– 38.95Taverna Cretekou Enthusiastic, acidity, brilliant balance and a finish that goes on and on .........................

Sas Kalosorizome Stin Taverna Cretekou

As you might eXpect, the vibrant

cuisine and unique customs of Greece

hold a special place in my heart. Some

of my fondest memories are of holiday

celebrations, with their roots in

ancient times, in a small village on

the island of Crete. It is in the spirit

of those wonderfully festive Greek

gatherings that we would like to

welcome you to

Taverna Cretekou

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Christos and denise PaPaloizou

and the staff