Dining Out with Karen Talbot: MP Taverna in Irvington
By Karen Talbot
MP Taverna
One Bridge Street
Irvington, NY 10533
914-231-7854
michaelpsilakis.com/mp-taverna/mp-taverna-irvington
Oct. 18, 2017: "MP" stands for chef, owner, and successful restaurateur Michael Psilakis, whose goal is to put "Greek cuisine on the culinary main stage" with his own interpretations of this classic cuisine.
The restaurant is in an historic building in a quiet area next to the Hudson. The exposed brick walls, original beams and rafters, and high ceilings add to the "culinary stage" he has indeed created. There is also a handsome mahogany screen with see-through cut-outs that separates the 120-seat main dining room from the bar.
You must have MP Taverna's tzatziki dip as a starter--a delicious, extra-creamy interpretation with Greek yogurt, garlic, cucumber, and dill served with warm pita bread. Next, we had the MP Salad, which has all of the ingredients in a Greek salad--lettuce, cucumber, tomato, olives, onion, feta cheese, and peppers--served chopped up, which was a great touch, as it condensed the many flavors and textures.
Our two meze choices were scallops with cauliflower, dried cherry, and brown butter and mussels and gigantes (very large beans) with tomato, spinach, Greek pork sausage, and breadcrumbs. These two dishes were the epitome of chef Psilakis's creativity. The mezes are priced from $10.95 to $19.95.
Souvlaki, a typical Greek dish, was our main course in both chicken and beef combinations. Pita bread is wrapped around onions, peppers, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce dressed with tzatziki. These were served with the house specialty, smashed fries. I would go back there just to have these Greek-style French fries again. There is a nice selection of wines to choose from and the wait staff was attentive and prompt.
The Greeks are known for their expertise in grilling fish, and you can order the fish of the day, branzino, swordfish, or salmon priced from $24.95 and up. There are nine entrees to choose from, and the next time I will try the mix grill--a mixture of Cypriot and Greek sausages, pork tenderloin, and chicken breast.
Michael Psilakis also owns two other restaurants in Manhattan, as well as MP Tavernas in Roslyn and Astoria.
Pictured here: Karen Talbot.
Photo courtesy Karen Talbot
