Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Bananas Foster French toast
Want dessert for breakfast? Check out this Taverna Opa favorite.
Q Taverna Opa in Delray Beach is one of my favorite brunch spots. I love peoplewatching on Atlantic Avenue while enjoying their delicious Bananas Foster French toast. It’s such a unique twist. Could you get the recipe for me? — Stephen Chrisanthus, Ocean Ridge
A. Peter Tsialiamanis, a native of Konitsa, Greece, opened Giorgio’s Grill in Hollywood in 1996. The original Taverna Opa launched in Hollywood the next year. At the time, Tsialiamanis was considered a pioneer, offering South Floridians a taste of authentic, traditional Greek cuisine in a full-service restaurant setting. High-quality food coupled with scenic water views, festive music, table dancing and paper napkins thrown like confetti became a recipe for success drawing locals and tourists alike.
Taverna Kyma in Boca Raton followed in 2007, as did Taverna Opa Orlando and most recently the Delray Beach spot in 2014.
(270 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-303-3602, tavernaopa.com).
Tsialiamanis’s daughter Sophia and her husband, John Theodore, recently took over the Atlantic Avenue eatery. The couple are no strangers to the business. Sophia grew up in restaurants working with her father. John was a teenager when he first landed a weekend job as a server at Taverna Opa while taking classes at the University of Florida during the week. He went on to gain more experience working at Nobu in New York City before returning to Florida to develop new Taverna Opa locations. He now leads his kitchen brigade as executive chef in Delray.
The Theodores’ goal in Delray is to create a modernized experience. The space underwent a recent renovation, yet the pair remain true to the high-energy nostalgic experience Tsialiamanis developed over the years and the authenticity of the Greek food their regular clientele has come to enjoy.
Chef Theodore insists on using olive oil, feta cheese, ouzo and seafood imported directly from Greece to guarantee the highest quality. Guests can expect the same lively ambiance with entertainment from belly dancers and DJs Thursday through Sunday and daily happy hour offering food and drink specials. Days and times may vary, so best to check website or call ahead. Choose from Sunday Rosé Brunch or Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys when you can also get a taste of the decadent Bananas Foster French toast.
Theodore points out, “The Bananas Foster French toast is a best-seller for brunch. We came up with the recipe for the dish as we were brainstorming and thinking of a classic dessert that could be translated into French toast.” Dessert for breakfast? Opa!