Devouring California

I'm back!  So, I clearly didn't make any mobile posts from the road.  Sorry.  I did, however, eat well on my trip.  Most notable of my meals was a restaurant called Evvia in Palo Alto, CA.  It is a very classy Mediterranean restaurant serving signature Greek dishes with local interpretations.

We had a pretty busy day of touring the city and traveling.  We had every intention of going home to change for dinner but decided to go as-is and grab a beer first. Mind you, as-is meant that my friend, her husband and I were a matching trio of jeans and chucks.  Peeking through the window everyone was gussied up in dresses and dinner jackets, but we went for it.  Thankfully, no one gave us a second look.  So clearly, we were just that cool. 

While waiting for our table, we headed to the back bar for some bourbon, passing a giant cozy hearth and a long farm table near the center of the dining room.  There was a warm glow in the room and the air was filled with mouth-watering aromas.

Once we were seated, we decided on going tapas style and ordering a plethora of appetizers instead of entrees.  The server was probably slightly annoyed that she had to keep coming back to see what we wanted to stuff our faces with next, but she didn't show it.  Everyone there was extremely nice and accommodating.  We ordered so many dishes I can't keep track.  We started with a grilled octopus that was smoky and flavorful.  The texture was surprising- you would expect it to be slimy or rubbery but it was actually closer to the texture of lobster tail.

We also  had herb dumplings with field mushrooms that were tender and earthy.  Next up were lamb sausages with tzatziki, grilled swordfish skewers and dolmathes.  The food kept coming and was superb.  The only dish we weren't overjoyed with would have to be the grilled artichokes with greek yogurt.  The flavor was delicious, but we were a little put-off by the choke that they left on it.

We ended the evening with a bottle of wine and a rich, creamy rice pudding.  We may have all been in pain, but it was worth it.  The food at Evvia was delicious, the service was friendly and the atmosphere welcoming and relaxing.  We closed the place out, being some of the last patrons to leave.  It was a great way to end a great trip.  Thank you Mr. & Mrs. L, I look forward to coming back!

Evvia
420 Emerson Street
Palo Alto, CA