This past Tuesday, when the rain was coming down in a truly tropical downpour, traffic lights weren’t working thanks to the flooding, and all most of us wanted to do was get home to a nice, warm, dry place, what was Ann Kelly up to? Glad that I didn’t know enough to come out of the rain! My coworker Simone had suggested I check out a new “Greek-inspired” restaurant she’d discovered called Mo’Ziki in the Bardmoor Shopping Center in Largo, right at the intersection of Bryan Dairy and Starkey. My thanks to the Largo PD for getting me through! It was well worth the few extra minutes of sitting in the backup.

Mo’Ziki is a pleasant new addition to our food scene. It faces Bryan Dairy, right around the corner from Publix and on that particular rainy Monday afternoon, it was a delicious place to find shelter from the storm. Owners Josh and Geoff describe themselves as “food dudes with a ‘tude” which is probably why it was so much fun just to sit and talk with them about their concept for Mo’Ziki. Josh said he can remember having his first gyro in Chicago at 3 am (what, no dogs or deep dish around?!) and loving it. It was quick, fast, fresh and healthy and probably planted that first seed for what was to come. But creating the menu included a lot of late night sampling, some hit and some misses, but in the end they gave a lovely, fresh twist to what might be Greek to you!

 No, it’s most definitely not traditional Greek menu – but that’s what I liked about it. How about a Greekadilla? Think a quesadilla, but with the Greek twist of a gyro filling and so many fresh veggie fillings to choose from it made for a very filling dinner…and lunch the next day! I always look for the restaurants that have the best fresh ingredients, and support our local food community, and Mo’ziki does that, with ingredients from Greek Boys Choice Foods among other suppliers. I did manage to try quite a few of the sauces, and the traditional ‘ziki sauce was just right, but it was the Kalamata olive which was my true favorite. I like the sides of roasted vegetables and lemon rice especially.

Josh and Geoff have big dreams for Mo’Ziki. They had a good point; we see a lot of food franchises for burgers, pizza, etc; but how many do you see for Greek food? Right…the need is there and they want to fulfill it! They have the right attitude for success-always make sure the customer feels like they are right. Works for me.

Mo’Ziki is a nice place to take the family, since they also offer a kids menu with grilled cheese pita, chicken and cheese pitas and gyro pizza, along with catering services.

Mo’Ziki is open Monday-Sunday, 11 am-9 pm, 10801 Starkey Road in Largo; online at eatmoziki.com.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY'S KITCHEN...AND MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING:

Aunt Voula: What do you mean he don't eat no meat?
[the entire room stops, in shock]
Aunt Voula: Oh, that's okay. I make lamb