Zante (II)

As soon as you arrive at Zante you are given a jug of water and glasses with the menu.  Which gets a big tick from me & ET.  And in between courses, they automatically take away your cutlery and plates and give you a new set.  Yet another big tick from us.  Luckily the food also gets a tick of approval.  We started with the Char-grilled Calamari.  It was soft and not at all chewy and I could definitely taste that it was grilled (but not in a bad way).  ET said it was "interesting".

On the surface, the Scotch Fillet seems like a bit of an odd choice for a Greek restaurant, but ET really scored with this dish.  He ordered rare and he got a pink piece of steak with no gristle to wrestle with.  Upon clearing away the plates, the waiter took great pleasure in asking how ET enjoyed the steak and appeared very proud of how they professionally prepare such dishes.

Because ET enjoyed the Chicken souvlaki last time we visited, I decided it was my turn to try it.  It was good; I even enjoyed the tzatziki even thought I don't usually eat it with chicken.  And apparently all meat dishes are served on a bed of marinated potato mash.  Just not sure what it's marinated with to turn it orange-y in color (although you can't tell from the pictures - sorry), but it tasted good all the same.

Surprisingly I was up for dessert, and with the help of the wait-staff, talked ET into sharing the Loukoumades with me.  (She was right - the dish was too bit for one).  And as it turned out, ET liked it just as much as me!  These little Greek dumplings were so crispy on the outside that they crackled when you cut into them but were soft and light on the inside.

We ate rather early but were surprised to still find the place half empty when we left.  Although the staff is quite attentive, and the food good, the prices aren't light on the pocket, so perhaps that's what is keeping the crowds away?  After all, I wouldn't think there would be much competition for Greek food in this area.

Zante

1039 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill

Zante

Zante is housed in what apparently was a former garden nursery.  There was a nice outdoor area but it was a bit cold for us the night we visited.  Plus they gave us a table by the window so we were quite happy to have the small view instead.

Although I requested the whitebait, ET ended up enjoying this much more than I did.  I thought it could have been just a tiny bit crispier.

My dory fillet special looked quite aneamic.  It was ok but quite frankly, the chips needed help.

ET was expecting much from his not-so-cheap chicken skewers.  And he wasn't disappointed.  He really liked this dish.

We quite enjoyed our night out but since then, I've seen a notice board outside the restaurant.  I'm not sure if the owners are selling or what the plans are.  But perhaps we should go again soon so I can try the ET-praised chicken skewers before they disappear.  ;)

Zante

1039 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill