Neighborhood News

Ouzo Blue, a Greek taverna

Yet another Greek/middle-eastern restaurant in northern Palm Beach County! Where are they all coming from? I have tried most of them, and my vote is now for this one. We were seated outside where there seemed to be less noise. Turns out that the place is so jumping with good vibes, TGIF-ers and music, that it would not have mattered where we sat...we would not have escaped the "party".

Right off the bat, we received the menus and were served wonderful pita, warm and very fresh and right off the grill, with a lemony, not garlic-y hummus. I had a "Perfect Pear" martini. It was a mix of Grey Goose pear vodka, Amaretto di Saronna, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of pineapple juice. It was a perfect balance of sweet and tart and was just the right amount for us. Ouzo has a wonderful selection of specialty drinks that should please all.

Paul had fried smelts which he declared as fresh, crispy, and good. Carole and I shared a saganaki appetizer which was sublime. It was a large wedge of kefalotiri cheese flamed in brandy at the table served bubbling and semi melted. Wish I could explain it better, but, alas, you have to try it to appreciate it. Carole and I shared a Greek salad that, bar none, was the best Greek salad that I have ever had. Even the 4 of us easily shared it. It was chock full of very large chunks of fresh, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, green pepper, sliced red onions, calamata olives (we had to ask for a few more), and with a 3" by 6" slab of feta on top. The feta was topped with dried herbs and olive oil. The dressing was made from olive oil, herbs, fresh ground pepper, and had a wonderful fresh lemony kick to it...just a simple, but excellent version of Greek salad.

We all chose entrees that we were not thrilled with, but we all agreed that we probably made some bad choices and should have stuck with the Greek specialties.

At some point in time, out came a bevy of belly dancers doing their thing to some really good middle-eastern music, provided by a D.J. One of the dancers did her thing outside, so that we didn't have to peer through the windows to catch the show. Some of the staff danced on a table, and some of the patrons were up and dancing, not at all concerned about not looking quite as good as the belly dancers!

All in all, the happy atmosphere was great, service was prompt and cheerful, and some of the food was quite good, some just okay. I would return and probably just order drinks appetizers and dessert. I hope this one lasts. Try it!

5090 PGA Blvd. (PGA Commons)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 561-776-3188 (they do take reservations)

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