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If the saying "It's all Greek to me" rings true for you, then take a trip to the newly opened The Olive Tree Greek and Italian restaurant on Lithia Pinecrest Rd.
Co-owners, Mark Jaholkowski, president, and Yianni Iliou, general manager, decided to open the shop here in Brandon due to the lack of Greek food in the area.
"I came from Greece and have been cooking Greek food all my life. I could not find an authentic Greek restaurant in the area, so I decided to open my own due to the encouragement of friends and family," states Iliou. Prices of the selections are reasonable ranging from $3-$14.
Upon entering the cozy restaurant, which seats 22, the alluring smell of spices and fresh pressed garlic lingers in the air. With a variety of options to choose from, all palates are assured to find a taste to their liking while choosing from items such as succulent dolmades which are grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions, Greek spices and herbs and drenched in lemon sauce to the Gyro Original, a warm pita bread containing spicy beef or beef with lamb layered with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce.
Some delectable appetizers include the taramosalata, a seafood dip, hummus and spanakopita, a crisp phyllo dough covering a combination of spinach, onions, dill, feta cheese, herbs and spices.
A few of the specialties include mouth yemista, stuffed tomatoes and peppers, garides saganaki, Greek shrimp and the Gyro Sampler Platter which has marinated, then grilled, chicken, pork and Gyro meat served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce.
As a finale, a variety of desserts such as crisp baklava, creamy cheesecake or the delicious Chocolate Lover's Cake that melts in your mouth.
If you are in the mood for Italian, a variety of pizzas are available as well.
Employee Dwayne Johnson, who is a resident of Brandon, specializes in the creation of these delicious pizzas. He started learning the art at age 12 while working in a pizza parlor.
"I have been cooking all my life," states Johnson, who comes from an Italian background.
The restaurant is currently looking for additional employees and will soon offer catering and delivery services.
The Olive Tree is located at 921 S. Lithia Pinecrest Rd. (just north of the intersection with Lumsden Rd.) in the plaza formerly anchored by Gold's Gym. For more information, call 662-5300 or go to www.theolivetreefl.com.
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