Chock full of belly dancers and cozy tables, Momos Greek Tavern always proves a fun night on the town. And with such an expansive menu – featuring a bevy of spreads, salads, gyros, and mezes both hot and cold – it’s also a tasty one, not to mention a great place for apprehensive Meatless Monday beginners.
Starting with the Crispy Eggplant Fries (pictured), which melt with the very first bite. Their salty, crispy exterior is the perfect foil for their smooth and creamy interior, making these bite-sized snacks a true upgrade from their tired potato cousin. Served with a tomato-sherry skordalia – a traditional potato purée spread turned a rosy hue thanks to those sweet tomatoes – has a soft, cooling effect when paired with these piping hot fries.
Next up was the Crispy Chickpea and Feta Cakes, a dish I go back for time and time again. These crunchy, garlicky cakes have a sharp bite to them thanks to that crumbly feta cheese baked right inside. Break off a piece with your fork and give it a dunk in the velvety tzatziki, the cool cucumber dip soaked up wonderfully by the dense cake.
Pair your mezes with one of Momo’s spreads. Though up against some pretty stiff competition with the roasted red pepper htipiti and the fava bean hummus, the Melitzanosalata is a lovely choice (It’s also much easier to eat than to pronounce, I promise.). Similar to baba ghanouj, this luscious dip calls for roasted eggplant that gets puréed with extra-virgin olive oil and citrusy lemon juice. Served with a generous portion of pita, you’ll have just enough leftover to scoop up the remaining tzatziki from your chickpea cakes.
There are almost too many vegetarian options to choose from at this Greek eatery, and that’s definitely a good problem to have. Go with as many friends as you can, as the more mouths at the table, the more mezes you’re able to taste. And considering this is Monday, be sure to wash away the work day with one of Momo’s cocktails, aptly named after Greek gods and goddesses.
This article appears in August 2012.