MARVELLOUS MEZEDES BAKER’S BITES

town to taste various versions. Finally rebelling, she promised him succulent ribs in a close-your-eyesin-ecstasy basting sauce. Both customers (and Frank) were wowed. The fall-off- the-bone ribs are now a menu fixture.

But start with the Greek delights. Best way to go is to order a platter of mezedes. Take Frank’s advice, and select a basic five to share. If you’ve a large appetite, you can follow with a main course, or augment the platter with more options.

For someone still on the flavourtrail after a sterile (and that includes the food) hospital stay, this was Seventh Heaven. So I mean it when I say “standard” items like the dolmades are must-tries (you can substitute fresher cabbage for the vine leaves); the kolokithakia (Greek meatballs) are moreish; the potato wedges crunchy and the taramasalata so delicate I could have kissed the chef – though I have the feeling Frank would be a more appreciative recipient.

We craned to see the mains served to other tables and were staggered at the size. The magnificently presented lamb MEZE PLATTER: Calamari tentacles, skordalia, keftedes tiropita and halumi. burger with tzatziki, fried onion and tomato on pita has definite takehome potential; a pita wrap is filled with a toothsome mix of tzatziki, salad and chips, while the moussaka is available in both beef and vegetarian versions. Up the price scale, at SQ, baked prawns come with kritharaki (long-grained rice) tomato and feta.

My only disappointment was dessert. I should have ordered the classic baklava or homemade halva ice-cream, but was seduced by the exotic-sounding “surprise” – which turned out to be a halva/popcorn

Well-priced menu, with a meze platter at R165; mains from R88 and desserts at R40. Watch this space: Marika’s owners have seen their take-away orders spiral through a growing market of partners too tired to cook. To meet this demand they’re planning to open a new venue, Palate, Shop Nº 1, 20 Roeland Street (021 462 2727). I suggest that one near a hospital would be equally successful, provided they deliver.