In the space once occupied by the legendary Millies Place, on Great Neck’s Middle Neck Road, for decades, a new tenant, Ethos, has transformed the site into a warm and inviting environment. The food and service excel
When we entered the subtly-lit room with a spacious bar at the front, we were led to a spacious table, but we soon added another table to accommodate the mandatory dishes we sampled.
On the mid-week evening we were there, even in these tough times, most of the tables were taken, a tribute to the wonderful food served consistently. But the ownerhost Panos is always present and there is no question in my mind that his watchful eyes and gracious manner have enabled his team of hostesses, waiters and busboys to provide the professional service you don’t find everywhere.
We began our meal with a variety of appetizers, many traditional Greek treats such as tzatziki, a goat’s milk yogurt with cucumber, dill and garlic, pikilia spread which incorporated several favorites. Mine is the taramosalata, red caviar whipped with lemon and extra virgin olive oil, but we had just begun. They serve the best octapodi skaras, large portions of tender fresh baby octopus charcoal grilled with their secret Greek spices, then drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
And, of course, we added a classic Greek salad with deep red vine ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, romaine lettuce and feta cheese surrounding the succulent olives. The plentiful, crisp, overflowing bowl served the four of us.
Since I am a lover of whole fish, I was glad there was a branzino on the menu. It was grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside, moist on the inside. My friends had the salmon — also perfectly prepared to her order of medium — and Garides Elinikes which is a combination of jumbo tender shrimp, cooked with fresh tomatoes, scallions, mushrooms, fresh herbs and feta cheese. A tasty combination. My husband had his favorite, juicy tender broiled baby lamb chops cooked perfectly to his order.
Each dish came sizzling hot from the kitchen, just how I like my food presented. But we were not done yet. What is dinner without dessert?
Amazingly, we found room for the delicious and attractive presentations of desserts. With all the rich and creamy baklava, katafi, and galaktobuvedo came a display of sweet fruits to finish off the picture-perfect, delicious meal. Try it, you’ll love it!
Ethos
25 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck
516-305-4958
33-04 Broadway, Astoria
718-278-1001
495 Third Avenue, Manhattan
212-252-1972
Web site: www.ethosrestaurants.com
33-04 Broadway
Astoria, NY
