Kellari Taverna

This place has been on my mind since the first time I visited. Sucks on my part that what attracted me to Kellari Taverna was a free bottle of champagne but there’s no need to dabble in regrets. The service in addition to the aromatic Greek flavors flowing from the bustling kitchen, made the night stick in my mind. There are tons of restaurants that boast about authentic Greek food but how many can offer that authentic Greek presence?? Well Kellari has this under control and you practically feel like your in someone’s grandma’s kitchen versus a restaurant that seats 220 guests. The manager spent most of the night telling us his stories of how he started at the original Kellari in New York and how he never waivered in his cheerful greetings to each and every customer.

Though I had some pretty good eye candy on my plate, I could not stop staring at the raw seafood display inside the main dining room. In a dream world, I would have asked them to prepare one of each for me. Lucky for them, this is reality and I had to settle for one entrée while nibbling on my guests plate. The Astakos (*lobster stuffed with crab meat) was slightly charred with such a zestful flavor that I discarded the side of lemon. My guests sought a heartier meal with the Brizola (*16-oz. NY Strip) which was only tainted by the fact that this guest wanted it well done (*ruined.).

The question of the hour is probably “how did I get a free bottle of champagne?” I am a big birthday person and lucky for me so is Kellari…sign up here and you get a free bottle of champagne for your birthday. I’ll drink to that!

Category: restaurant reviews, Washington D.C.