Omnivore - Foodie Phonetics: Tzatziki
Demystifying tzatziki with Athens Pizza
Welcome to Foodie Phonetics, an occasional series in which we explore the names of food items that you might be mispronouncing. Let’s help each other avoid embarrassing moments one dish at a time!
Pronouncing Greek words can be a tongue twister. Tzatziki (“dzah-DZEE-kee”), however, is worth adding to your vocabulary — and rotation of summer dishes. This cucumber, yogurt, garlic, and dill sauce can add a zing of flavor and cooling freshness to gyros, burgers or even be used as a dip for chips and veggies.
?? A true taste of tzatziki can be found at Athens Pizza (1341 Clairmont Road, 404-636-1100. www.athenspizzaatlanta.com) in Decatur. Since 1977, the Papadopoulos family has provided Atlanta with authentic Greek food. Through the decades,the thick-crust pizza, gyros and Greek dishes the food has not changed and neither has the spirit of the founders. Founder Asiemoula Papadopoulos still oversees her pizza empire and greets customers from her front booth.
Yiayia (“YAY yuh”, grandmother) Gyro Bites
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andy Papadopoulos said the special tzatziki sauce at Athens Pizza was created by his mother, Asiemoula. The secret ingredients include the perfect balance between lemon juice and vinegar, sour cream for smoothness and versatility, and lots of garlic just like the Greeks make it back home. Try some on an order of Yiayia Gyro Bites ($7.25), pita bread topped with feta cheese, tomato, red onion, gyro meat, and, of course, tzatziki. It’s kinda like Greek nachos. This appetizer can stand alone as a snack or as a prelude to the wait-worthy Athens Special Pizza (with feta cheese, ground beef, sausage, pepperoni, onions, mushrooms, and pepper. Just sayin’). Bottom line: If it’s Yiayia’s, it’s gotta be good.