E Taverna in Astoria combines authentic Greek village hospitality and a charming, rustic environment enveloped by the aromas of herbs from the Greek countryside.

Actor Anthony Quinn's legendary portrayal of Zorba the Greek transcends both time and trends. This classic, which celebrates the unconquerable spirit of the charismatic Zorba, speaks to every generation of movie fans. The film's message is moving and effective, no matter what your ethnic background is. Zorba loved life and had a zest for life's simple pleasures. In many ways Zorba was the embodiment of the typical Greek if indeed, there is such a thing.

If Zorba was around today and visited Astoria, he would want to enjoy the best meal possible. E-Taverna's atmosphere, aroma and food would call to mind his native Greece. Having lunch or dinner here is the next best thing to actually being in Greece. It all starts with the warm hospitality that you're greeted with, from the moment you walk through the door. This is how they do things in small village tavernas. For a few hours anyway, the taverna becomes your home away from home.

E-Taverna's chef brings you a truly authentic, traditional Greek dining experience. The flavors are real and the ingredients are fresh and pure: herbs from the garden, extra virgin olive oil and only premium meats, fish and veggies. Sun-ripened olives and fresh seafood are the primary ingredients of the much heralded Mediterranean diet. Greek cuisine is gaining in popularity among New York's foodies, thanks in part to quality kitchens like E-Taverna. Their chef serves up the kind of food that you wish you could cook at home, if only you had the time and culinary skills.

The avgolemono soup is extraordinary, with the right balance of chicken stock, egg and lemon. Salad selections are a far cry from the usual. The Dakos salad is a bowl filled with Cretan rusk, tomatoes, feta cheese and oregano. In the Greek countryside, the salad of choice is horiatiki, a bounty of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, peppers and onions with a generous sprinkling of feta on top.

Vegetarian options abound at E-Taverna. These dishes are so good that you might want to skip the meat on one of your visits and order a trio of mezedes (Greek tapas) for the table to share. Start with the heavenly scordalia, which is a dish of mashed potatoes with garlic. Another version of this meze pairs cooked red beets with the smooth and silky mound of potatoes. Horta are wild greens, steamed or boiled, dressed with EVOO and a touch of lemon. The chef does zucchini two mouthwatering ways. You may order it fried with tzatziki sauce for dipping or in the form of delicious, light croquettes. Their spanakopita is fluffy yet filling. When Mom told you to eat your greens, you probably pushed them around the plate and grudgingly ate a few. At E-Taverna, you'll clean the plate, for sure. Lima beans, okra and string beans are all served in a tasty, well seasoned tomato sauce.

Entree meats are charcoal grilled and served with fresh-cut fried potatoes. Whatever your taste in protein runs to E-Taverna has it, from chicken and pork kebob to lamb chops. But when the mood for meat moves you, try the bifteki. This Greek version of our burger is a must-have. Bifteki are patties with graviera cheese and herbs. One of their most popular regional recipes is the hearty mosxari youvetsi, beef blended with orzo pasta in tomato sauce.

Seafood takes center stage at E-Taverna. The fish dishes are simple, basic and out of this world delicious. Solomos pairs charcoal-grilled salmon with broccoli, while lavraki gives you a whole bronzino on a bed of steamed wild greens. When you taste the garides skaras, you will be transported to a beach on one of the Greek islands, like Corfu or Santorini. Giant shrimp are charcoal-grilled and accompanied by rice. The kitchen also excels at great lobster and pasta dishes.

No matter how stressful and busy your day has been when you finish your meal and leave E-Taverna, you will carry a little of Zorba's spirit in your heart.

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