Cuisine de maman: Koyzina Authentica
If you thought Greek cuisine was all about moussaka and throwing plates around the place you’d be wrong.
At least that is certainly the case with Koyzina Authentica which is doing a very valiant job at re-inventing one of the great world cuisines. Over the years the building has played host to all manner of restaurants ranging from Italian and Chinese to Pakistani. But the two very impressive Greek-style pillars that still exist from when it was originally built way back in the 1930s give a clue, perhaps, as to what it was always destined to be.
The pleasant and very welcoming Greek couple who now own this grand venue – they celebrate their fourth anniversary this month of the opening – actually first came to Belgium only a few years ago themselves.
The pleasant and very welcoming Greek couple who now own this grand venue – they celebrate their fourth anniversary this month of the opening – actually first came to Belgium only a few years ago themselves.
Charis Dimitrakopoulos came to work for NATO in Brussels while his wife Sofia worked in a bank. The two of them had actually always harboured dreams (as many do!) of running a restaurant but, as Charis readily admits, that was something they thought would have to wait until retirement.
As luck would have it, their dreams were to come true much faster than they could have imagined when the building that now occupies Koyzina Authenticabecame available. At first it was something of a labour of love, with a lot of refurbishment work needed on the premises before it was transformed into the fine eating place it is today. Charis himself even turned his hand to building the bar area that greets guests on their entrance.
The décor is a nice blend of the formal and intimate, affording delightful, classy surroundings for a meal. Happy to report that the cuisine is just as lovely. The aim, as explained by Sofia, is not to merely present traditional Greek dishes (as nice as they are) but to update and modernise them with an innovate and original twist.
On this, the Greek chef, who has been with the couple since the launch of their restaurant, succeeds very well and deserves much credit for his daring approach in the kitchen. One good example on the a la carte menu (there’s also a regularly rotated suggestions list) is the lamb which is slow cooked and very tender.
The fine food is nicely accompanied by an excellent choice of not only Greek wines – still rather underrated – but also some very good Greek beers. Trying to sell the merits of Greek beers in a country like Belgium with its own beer-making traditions is not easy but there’s plenty about them to commend.
The wonderful wine list contains a very good choice of reds and whites directly imported from Charis and Sofia’s homeland. For those unfamiliar with wine from Greece there’s also some very expert advice on hand from the knowledgeable staff. Considering the effort and thought that clearly goes into preparation of the fine dishes, the pricing policy is very reasonable.
This place represents something of a fine dining approach to Greek cuisine and, if you are looking for a little “Mediterranean sunshine” to enliven the approaching Belgian winter then look no further than Charis and Sofia’s “dream destination.” You will not be disappointed.
The couple came to Brussels with the aim of staying a few years only. But they fell in love with the place and decided to put down roots here. All great news for lovers of great Greek food.
Good to know:
The restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday and booking is advisable on Friday and Saturday.
Address: 519 avenue Brugmann, Uccle
Website: www.greek-restaurant-koyzina–
