According to Palo Alto Online, the local dining concept TAVERNA, known for serving authentic Greek cuisine at 800 Emerson Street, plans to expand.
In addition to its recently opened spot in Portola Valley — which debuted in March, taking over a suite formerly home to Old Port Lobster Shack within Ladera Country Shopper at 3130 Alpine Road — TAVERNA’s owner, Thanasis Pashalidis, implies that he is hoping to introduce a new location in San Francisco soon.
“Pashalidis isn’t planning on stopping at Portola Valley,” the Journal reports, adding, “he hopes to continue to expand TAVERNA, aiming next for San Francisco.”
“My goal is to make people happy and to continue making people happy,” Pashalidis shares.
For readers who are unfamiliar with the dining concept, it offers a brief introduction on its website: “Since opening its doors in April 2018, TAVERNA has become a cherished gem in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. Situated on a quaint neighborhood corner, this charming restaurant invites you to embark on a delightful culinary journey through Greece.”
“Founded by two longtime friends, Thanasis Pashalidis and Hakan Bala, TAVERNA beautifully blends rustic origins with modern refinement. Their passion for authentic Greek cuisine shines through in every dish, crafted with both care and creativity,” the statement concludes.
The menu offers farm-to-table, upscale Greek cuisine, including small plates such as the Greek Village Salad, tzatziki, and crispy zucchini cakes. Entrees include grilled Spanish octopus salad and lamb rib chops — locally sourced from Superior Farms in Sacramento — and cast-iron cooked Greek meatballs.
The beverage selection ranges from “Greek takes on classic cocktails,” the Journal shares, to California wines, biodynamic Greek wines, and wines from France and Italy.
“(We serve) handcrafted food that’s made with passion and locally sourced ingredients and, first and foremost, an experience that transports you to Greece,” Pashalidis tells the Journal.
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