 | 701 9th St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: 202-638-0800 |
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| Zaytinya, a visual treat with its minimalistic design, bright and airy spaces is the latest addition to the very successful partnership of Roberto Alvarez, Rob Wilder, and chef Jose Ramon Adres. This team owns and operates the popular Jaleo tapas restaurants in Washington and Bethesda, and the Café Atlantico in Washington D.C. Zaytinya, which began operations in October, 2000 specializes in Mediterranean mezze from Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece. |
| The selection of mezzes includes meat and poultry, seafood, and vegetables and there is also a selection of soups and salads. For those who prefer more substantial fare there is a selection of entrees and a seasonally influenced daily menu. |
| The palate team decided on a mezze lunch that began with very warm and fresh bread with olive oil and drizzled with pomegranate syrup. From the vegetable mezze list we chose Bantijan Bil Laban—fried eggplant in a roasted garlic and yogurt sauce ($4.50;) Kolokithokeftedes—croquettes of zucchini and cheese with yogurt and caper sacuce ($5.50;) Santorini Fava—a classic dish with Greek olive oil, red onions, capers and lemon ($4.50;) Imam Bayaldi—an Ottoman style roasted eggplant with onions, parsley, tomatoes and olive oil ($4.50.) All the vegetarian mezzes capturred the true flavors of the Mediterranean region and they were wonderful. |
| From the Meat Mezze menu the Team tried Hunkar Begendi—Sultan's delight—braised lamb with eggplant puree and cheese ($6.50.) This dish was delicious with the lamb slow cooked in a Bechamel sauce.The Lagos Krassatos Me Fakies—braised rabbit with lentils ($6.50.) This was tender and moist and the lentil combination was most unusual. Some team members did not enjoy this dish. Perhaps the idea of eating rabbit did not appeal? |
| One dish from the fish mezze selection disappointed. It was Htapothi Krassato—seared octopus in red wine sauce ($6.25) which was tough and not very tasty. We complained and the item was removed from our bill. |
| Some team members had a glass of wine with lunch and the total cost came to $16.50 per person including coffee and tip. Our server was helpful and cheerfully answered our innumerable questions. |
| The Metro stop is Gallery Place and the restaurant is just across the street. Parking is available near the restaurant and valet parking is available in the evening. |
The Palate team enthusiastically recommends Zaytinya.
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| Would you like to join Vim in a future restaurant outing? Newcomers are welcome. Contact the WBFN office if you are interested. |
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