Mezes Soft Opening a Success

Gone is the old carpet and the dim lighting that served as hallmarks for Emily’s for years. The floors are now epoxied concrete and the dining area is wider, more accommodating. The building facade remains the same but now under a new name and new ownership. A few months back long time Beaufortonians George and Judi Babalis along with George’s cousin, Jim Tsironikos, purchased Emily’s with the intent of starting a new restaurant. Mezes specializes in Greek/Mediterranean food with the intentions of retaining some dishes from the old Emily’s menu.

Thursday, February 7, saw a soft opening for the restaurant in order to work out some of the kinks. Family and friends were invited to try out dishes at no cost in exchange for constructive criticism. The night quickly turned boisterous as the bar turned out cocktails and old friends reunited for one lively night. Everyone was having fun before people were even seated to dine. The food and service more than lived up to expectations. Diners ordered from a limited menu that featured many items you’d have to drive to Charleston or Savannah to find. Once the chef started flambeeing saganaki tableside everyone migrated from the bar to seats.

The appetizers were wonderful from perfectly fried calamari to flaky spanakopita. Dinner dishes, including gyro’s, moussaka, and skewers, were shared around. Attendees casually wandered from table to table to say hello and sample dishes they hadn’t ordered.

The atmosphere is louder and more open than it ever was at Emily’s but the owners aren’t afraid of that. Much like their neighbors across the street, at Old Bull, it can get noisy inside. Mezes isn’t intended to be a quiet dining experience: it’s a place for friends and family to cut loose for a good time. The dining experience in Beaufort has been lacking for years despite a rich culinary history and availability of fresh ingredients. Mezes builds off of family tradition and adds diversity desperately needed in town from locals who care.

For years Emily’s has been a locals favorite for dinner and drinks, leaving big shoes to fill. Mezes steps into them without breaking a stride, providing what will surely be a downtown favorite for years to come.

Mezes opens this Monday. Restaurant hours will be from 4-10pm Monday through Saturday.