Why Go Greek – MP Taverna

I must admit, I was a little disappointed when I discovered Day Boat Café, in Irvington, had closed their doors and that a Greek restaurant was moving in.  However, MP Taverna is an excellent addition to the Westchester dining scene.  Chef Michael Psilakis offers a Modern Greek inspired menu that is sure to satisfy everyone in your family.   The children’s menu (also a coloring book) at MP Taverna offers young diners a burger with smashed fries, mac and cheese, meatballs with pasta, pasta with butter or tomato sauce, or a grilled cheese with smashed fries.  Not great, so we decided to choose from the regular menu for everyone.  There are so many delicious options and, having both children with us, Max and Olivia could share an entree.  We started our meal with the Chef’s signature dip appetizer ($12 for a combination of three dips or $8 per dip).  Olivia, the yogurt lover in our family, enjoyed the yogurt with cucumber and dill option. Max enjoyed the warm pita dipped in the eggplant with roasted pepper, and my husband and I shared the third option, the feta with spicy chilies and herbs.  For an entrée, Max and Olivia had the meatballs ($8.50).  I know there is a meatball option on the children’s menu, but because we had pita with our appetizer, I wanted to avoid another carb, and the children’s portion comes with a side of pasta.  The regular portion is larger so Max and Olivia easily split an order (there was even enough for Justin to try some).  It was the perfect size for them, and they both seemed to enjoy their dinner very much.  In my mind, completing more that ¾ of their food means they liked it.  For my entree, I offered the Grilled Branzino with fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes and olives.  Justin had the Sea Bass special – delicious!  We ordered a side of vegetables just to add something green to our plates.  The side was good, but completely not necessary.  Each person had more than enough to eat.  The interior has been renovated to a more formal, a little too dark (in color only), dining room.  Noise reducers have been installed to help control the volume in the restaurant, which was an issue with the old space.  On a nice night there are tables available for drinks or dinner on their patio.  It’s convenient, but I’m not sure I would enjoy the noise of the trains while eating outdoors (let me know if you have dined outside).  We did not have time for dessert, but this gives me an excuse to go back – not that I need one.  I’m looking forward to dining at MP Tavern again.

One more thing…I found this link on the restaurant’s website and thought it was appropriate to share.  Celebrity Chef Michael Psilakis offers up some ideas for how you can get your kids safely involved with a summertime barbecue.  http://www.ny1.com/content/163580/keep-kids-in-the-mix-when-planning-a-summer-bbq

MP Taverna

Irvington, NY 10533

http://michaelpsilakis.com/mp-taverna/mp-taverna-irvington/#&panel1-2

914-231-7854