Opa! After having a sinful, cholesterol-laden, non-stop binging and drinking Friday, I wanted to have a more heart-friendly weekend meal. What better way to do this by going Greek? I’ve always had a soft spot for Meditarrenean food, which is easy on the palate and the tummy – not to mention it’s supposed to be healthier. And so, off I went with my good friend, Miya, to Sophia’s, a relatively new Greek restaurant in Westgate, Alabang.
Sophia's Entrance. Nice balcony.
Opened only in May of this year, Sophia’s offers a wide variety of Greek cuisines. They have the regular offerings of favorites like tzatziki, gyros, mousakka, and various grilled lamb dishes in a bit of a more upscale setting. The resto is the brainchild of Chef Mervyn Whitfield, who apparently is also the owner of Piccolo Mondo, one of the most sought-after Italian restos specializing in pizzas here in the south. I have not been to Piccolo though but I heard it’s really good. Thus I was at ease with trying out what Sophia’s had to offer.
We ordered our favorite moussaka (Php295), pasta con vongole (Php275), and lamb gyros (Php195). Moussaka is similar to a lasagna but instead of the lasagna, eggplants are used. It comes layered with mozzarella cheese and a beef and tomato sauce. The dish is topped off with a white-sauce. The moussaka was yummy though comaring with the one from Mano’s Greek Taverna (Tagaytay) or Tita Ope (Salcedo Market), I’d say Tita Ope’s tops my list.
Moussaka (Php295)
Pasta con vongole is pasta with clams cooked in either olive oil or tomato sauce. Vongole is Italian for clams. We had the oil-based version of the dish since we already had moussaka which is tomato based. Although it looked enticing when served, it didn’t live up to its looks. The pasta was rubbery instead of al dente, the clams were really small and few, and overall the dish lacked in flavor. Cyma tops my list when it comes to this dish, at an almost similar price, Cyma offers a bigger and more flavorful dish.
Pasta Con Vongole (Php275)
Often mistaken as a shawarma or a soft taco, gyros is the Greek version of a these two minus the messy fillings. It comes with a variety of meat choices – chicken, beef, or lamb – with some lettuce and green peppers. The sauce is a tzatziki sauce, which is made of yogurt and pureed cucumber. Thus making it a healthier alternative to its counterparts. Sophia’s’s version was good, the meat was tender and the pita bread was soft and hot. I would love more of those sauce though.
Lamb Gyros (Php195)
We were full to the brim but it was a good way to be filled, heart friendly, indeed. Contrary to my love for the Greek appetizers, salads, and entrees, I am not fond of their dessert. The baklava and the yogurt with fruits are a bit of an acquired taste, which I have yet to develop a taste for.
The Bar
Interesting chandelier made of gas lamps
Sophia’s Mediterranean Deli is located at Westgate, Alabang. Phone: 771-7717, 782-3517; Restaurant hours: 10AM – 10PM (M-F), 10AM – 11PM (Sat-Sun).
Feel the Vibe 