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Before heading to Greek Night at Holiday Inn, our knowledge of the national cuisine stopped at moussaka and tzatziki.

Never one to turn down the opportunity to try something new, we headed over to Lemon Tree on a Thursday night to see what else the cuisine has to offer. There aren’t many places in the capital to try Greek food, so hearing the Holiday Inn’s general manager is from the Mediterranean country, we were optimistic it would be an authentic experience.

On the night we booked, the Greeks were celebrating their version of Mardi Gras known as Tsiknopempti, literally meaning ‘Thursday of the smoke of grilled meat’. As part of the traditional carnival, copious amounts of grilled meats are consumed – not a great start for our vegetarian. But glancing at our set menus, we were thrilled to see a special meat-free option.

We got started with a generous selection of sharing plates including the customary tzatziki, a garlic-infused yoghurt dip with shredded cucumber and a fresh bowl of Greek salad topped with a wedge of feta cheese. A miniature slice of feta cheese pie encased in layers of thin filo pastry proved a popular dish, while the homemade French fries sprinkled with fresh oregano didn’t last long either. Slices of grilled courgette coated in a light but crispy batter and a bowl of shrimp saganaki in a fiery tomato sauce, left us wondering how much room we would have for our main course.

For the carnivore, a hearty selection of tender and juicy meats were rustically presented on a round metal plate with grilled pita bread, French fries and a fresh garden salad on the side. The selection of beef souvlaki (kebabs), lamb kofta, lamb chops and shish tawook souvlaki was similar to a Lebanese mixed grill, but the use of fresh oregano gave it an identifiable Greek flavour. Meanwhile, our vegetarian happily tucked into whole pieces of aubergine, tomato and courgette stuffed with vegetable rice, served with beautifully sautéed spinach and grilled Mediterranean vegetables.

Stuffed to the brim, but not willing to pass on dessert, we shared a slice of homemade baklava. Layers of honey-rich filo pastry encased a hearty filling of finely chopped cinnamon flavoured mixed nuts. If we hadn’t been so full we would have unashamedly asked for another slice.

Just in the nick of time, the resident bouzouki player took to the stage to top off the authentic night.

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DETAILS

What: Greek Night at Lemon Tree
Where: Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
We Say: Another slice of baklava please!
Cost: AED 135 ++
Contact: 02 657 4857

Rachael Peacock

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