Taverna OPA is not for the faint of heart. I swear the restaurant's West Palm Beach location redefined the fun dining experience. While chowing down, my group danced on tables, took shots of ouzo and gorged on heaps of delicious Mediterranean food. We ordered from the Family Style section of the menu and it felt like the flow of food was never ending.
The first of the appetizers was DIY. Using a fork, we mashed our own hummus out of chickpeas, and spread it across slightly crisped and salted pita chips.
I should probably mention that the entire time we've been eating there is loud, fun dance music roaring over the loud speakers.
ENTERTAINMENT BREAK!
Suddenly, in the middle of our appetizers traditional Greek dance music starts up and the waiters climb on top tables. Linking arms, their legs start to windmill faster and faster until you think they're going to fall off the back of the no-so-wide table. Luckily, they keep their balance and go on to serve us more scrumptious food.
NOW BACK TO YOUR SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING:
ENTERTAINMENT BREAK!
Suddenly, in the middle of our appetizers traditional Greek dance music starts up and the waiters climb on top tables. Linking arms, their legs start to windmill faster and faster until you think they're going to fall off the back of the no-so-wide table. Luckily, they keep their balance and go on to serve us more scrumptious food.
NOW BACK TO YOUR SCHEDULED PROGRAMMING:
The Calamari appetizer was wonderfully crunchy and very well seasoned. The marinara-type dipping sauce had a little unexpected zing at the end that kept my palette guessing.
No one in our group ended up eating the Spanikopita, but I tried one just so I could see what the heck it was. The middle was surprisingly tasty considering the main ingredient was spinach, but the outside croissant was mushy and bland. Everyone that didn't try it definitely wasn't missing out.
The last of the appetizers to arrive was a tray of various dips and spreads. The Melitzanosalata, or eggplant dip, was my favorite, while the birthday girl favored the Tzatziki, a garlic yogurt dip. I was really excited for the Dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, but they were disappointing. Stuffed with just rice, I would have preferred them stuffed with meat or seasoned a lot more.
After we had already stuffed ourselves with appetizers, the main entree arrived. An overflowing plate of Lamb Chops, Chicken Breast Skewers, Beef Shish Kebob Skewers, Oak Grilled Pork Loin nearly collapsed the table. Every type of meat was tender and easily broke apart with a fork. Each time I got a mouthful, the green vegetables and rice made for a nice pairing with the robust meats.
By the time dessert arrive none of us even wanted to think about eating more food. I hear they have some really great Baklava, but I was far too full to enjoy any.