Meze Magic

From Greek tavernas to Israeli cafés (with restaurants in Turkey, Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, and Lebanon thrown in too), there’s a dining option that’s tailor-made for soaking up sunsets and cooling off in evening summer breezes. Meze are small dishes of food meant to be shared over a glass of wine, either before the main meal or as a light dinner.

Meze can be anything from a block of feta cheese and a handful of olives served with a glass of wine to an elaborate spread of dips, vegetables, salads, and savory croquettes. The common ingredient is the fun, casual ambiance created when everyone’s tasting, talking, and enjoying the moment.