ANTIQUITY MODERN GREEK AND MEZZE LOUNGE

And that’s best done sharing plates of good food, plenty of wine and of course a few festive cocktails and ouzo, according to the team at Antiquity Modern Greek and Mezze Lounge.

Owner and head chef Popi Ginis is again inviting guests to celebrate end of year work parties, team break-ups and family gatherings in true Greek style, with a modern twist.

On the menu for functions is a variety of contemporary mezze dishes inspired by traditional Greek flavours, perfect for sharing among groups, large and small.

The unique combination of traditional recipes, unconventional ingredients and fresh styling is sure to delight all of the senses.

“There’s a lot more to Greek food than people realise, so you won’t find mediocre moussaka or boring baklava here, we put our own spin on everything,” says Popi.

“We take the traditional Greek meals and desserts we were brought up with and make them our own, emphasising the flavours with our favourite ingredients like fresh herbs and spices, Greek coffee, Atiki Greek honey, Metaxa brandy, ouzo and my favourite Mastic and Mavrodaphne, a Greek sweet wine. We put a lot of passion and love into what we do.”

Since buying her first cookbook at the age of nine, Popi has always loved entertaining others with her unique creations. Growing up in a Greek family she’s had a life-long passion for food and celebration, but also enjoyed any opportunity to create new and exotic flavours.

Establishing Antiquity, she aimed to create a restaurant of quality, authenticity and individual character.

“Growing up I did a lot of cooking for my mum and made a lot more Westernised foods which she adored, and that’s really what has inspired Antiquity and everything we stand for,” says Popi.

“While we create meals and use ingredients that date back to ancient Greek times, we have created something special, something unique, something that is relevant to this time and place while representing who we are and where we come from.”

Antiquity is just as renowned for its signature cocktails as it is its food, and there’s some new creations on the cocktail menu to celebrate the festive season.

Among them are the Mastica Mojito and Baklava Delicatessen, and Popi promises plenty more tantalising surprises.

All will be revealed at Antiquity’s upcoming Cocktail Launch Party (keep an eye on Facebook for dates) which will combine new Greek themed cocktail combinations with Greek mezze to share.

“Instead of everyone having their own entrée, main and dessert, everyone shares everything, you can pick what you like, and in sharing the food you share conversation and laughter, enjoy a drink together and talk about life. It’s more than just a meal, it’s an experience.”

Antiquity was awarded the Minister for Business Encouragement Award at the Australian Hotels Association Awards last year – an impressive achievement for a restaurant, which opened just six months prior to judging.

Bookings are now being taken for end of year celebrations, and the restaurant is continuing to trade as normal for regular dining.

Offering al fresco dining and catering for up to 100 people, Antiquity Modern Greek and Mezze Lounge is the perfect venue for corporate and business functions all-year-round.

Situated on Darwin’s stunning waterfront within easy walking distance to the CBD, Antiquity is perfectly suited to those quieter occasions too, like lunch with a friend on the weekend or a romantic dinner with that special someone.