Getting in holiday vibe with a tasty trip to Greek style eaterie
WEDNESDAY afternoon in the Bigg Market and with not a cloud in the sky, a trip to Kafeneon seemed like a perfect idea for someone already slightly demob happy about an impending holiday.
The Greek eatery has been something of a cult classic in Newcastle city centre, with a loyal following of foodies flocking back for plenty of repeat visits for two decades now.
And while this was my first visit, I can certainly now see why it is so popular.
There’s something about a sunny afternoon in the Toon and Greek cuisine that really goes hand in hand. All that was really missing was an Ouzo on the rocks to make me feel like I was dining in the land of Aphrodite.
ANY TIPPLES?
Speaking of drinks that actually were consumed, I was swayed towards a fresh fruit daiquiri, opting for a very refreshing passion fruit and pineapple over the usual strawberry.
And tasting as good as it looked, if it wasn’t for my work pass nudging out of my top pocket, I could well have felt like I had started my trip abroad early.
TO START
On to the food and two of us decided to opt from the very reasonable happy hour menu – available from 5pm every evening and offering two courses for £9.90.
And it was a real case of great minds think alike as we both picked the exact same starters and mains.
I’ll just put it out there that if haloumi ever appears on the menu, my eyes rarely need to glance elsewhere and indeed Kafeneon’s grilled haloumi veg starter was music to my ears. While rather simplistic in content, comprising four slices of tomato each topped with a piece of grilled haloumi, it definitely got proceedings off to a pleasing start, with the cheese perfectly cooked and absolutely delicious.
I was also fortunate enough to have a few of my friend’s nachos which were huge and really floury and authentic looking and tasting – not like the kind you’d settle down with on your lap in the cinema!
NEXT!
After three firm thumbs-up for our starters, expectation was high for the mains and if it’s generous portion sizes you’re after for your hard earned cash, you won’t go far wrong at Neon.
It was a case of carbs on carbs for the two of us who opted for the chicken souvlaki option with the tender chunks of chicken on two skewers, accompanied by some tasty fries and some light, warm but and very moreish pieces of pitta bread.
The plate was completed by a hearty side salad which got some serious brownie points for a Greek export that rivals haloumi for my cheese-related affections – feta. Always a winner in my book!
The tzatziki dip was also a great accompaniment
but my friend on the other side of the table wasn’t as full of praise for the same sauce that came with his Greek burger (beef, tomato, red onion) but like me, he couldn’t fail but be forgiving due to the inclusion of some haloumi as a topping.
ANY IMPROVEMENTS?
There was very little to find fault with. The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing and most importantly, given that we were in a bit of a hurry to get to an event just up the street, was very prompt. There was also a very welcoming atmosphere akin to the ambience of a Greek taverna.
If you’re looking to try something a bit different and help support an independent local business, pay a visit to Kafe Neon. Even if you aren’t convinced Greek food is up your street, with the happy hour menu’s bargain price, the Bigg Market restaurant is well worth a risk.