Hellenic Republic

434 Lygon Street
Brunswick East
9381 1222 (must book)

Hellenic Republic located on the non-Italian end of Lygon Street is what you would hope to find in a modern Greek eatery. Owned by the now even more famous George Calombaris this is the low key sister to his 'hatted' Press Club. We have been to Hellenic Republic many times before and walked away full and satisfied by their service and food, and this was no different. We had to make a lunch booking as they were fully booked on a Saturday night. As we walked in we were happy to see George on their communal table discussing business, great to see that even on a break from shooting Master Chef he was interested in the goings on at Hellenic Republic.

As we sat down, we were quickly served their 'orgasmic' taramosalata (cod roe dip) with fresh pita bread, we kindly advised the waitress that we had not ordered yet although this was going to be our number ONE choice. Minutes later we were served olives and pickled octopus, and were told that Ari had organised this.

Throughout our meal we would go on to wonder whether this was the same Ari that used to manage the wonderful Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons at Crown (our fav restaurant but yes, we are yet to review this), I was confused wondering why would he leave GAS for Hellenic Republic. Back home I had to 'google' Ari, it did in fact turn out to be The Age Good Food Guide's Service Excellence Award winner Ari Vlassopoulos. Ari had been poached by George to join the Press Club, for him to remember us from GAS is amazing and once again shows why Ari is one of the best in the business.

The taramosalata was once again perfect, lacked a little bit of salt today, but with fresh pita bread there is no better way to start a Greek meal, the olives were meaty and juicy the way olives should be. Pickled octopus is not something I would have ordered but the tentacles were meaty, a great dish with wine.

One of the day's specials were fried prawns wrapped with angel hair. The prawns were large and so fresh, the aioli like sauce finished it off. After all the complimentary food from Ari we were not wanting anything too over filling so we order the lamb ribs and Greek salad. The way George prepares the salad here and at the Press Club Bar is fresh and crisp, we have started making our Greek salads like him. The ribs just fell off the bone, finger licking stuff. It was well 'caramelized', you could not fault the execution or delivery.

The kitchen is such a well oiled machine, every time we visit Hellenic Republic we are still amazed at the massive open grill that never seems to stop producing and the spit roast out the back that seems to be able to cook three yes three lamb spits at once.

By this time we were well fed and needed to be in the city to watch a movie, but there was sill time for dessert, always time for dessert, right? We could not fit in any sugary sweetness so we opted for the fresh watermelon salad with feta and almond flakes, not being of Greek descent we were not 100% sure about feta and watermelon, but once again George knows best, the salty feta made the watermelon even sweeter. The next day when I was at the local super market and at the cheese fridge, I picked up a piece of feta and would you believe it they suggest that you serve it with watermelon, who would have known.

We will definitely be returning to Hellenic Republic and the first thing we would do is to say 'hi' to Ari, and maybe ask for another plate of the taramosalata.