Bakkhus Taverna appreciates the brewers of local craft beer. Just steps away from the Kemah Boardwalk (at 605 6th Street), this locally owned restaurant offers several brands of craft beer for its discerning customers.

According to the Brewers Association, the definition of craft beer is “beer made by a brewer that is small, independent, and traditional. It is generally made with traditional ingredients like malted barley; interesting and sometimes non-traditional ingredients are often added for distinctiveness.”

“I enjoy trying new beers that are brewed well,” said Bakkhus Taverna owner Demetrios Kouloumoundras. “There is a distinctive quality to craft beers' artisan style.”

The “craft curious” can delight in choosing from the following Texas breweries: No Label (Katy), Rahr and Sons (Fort Worth), Southern Star (Conroe), Real Ale (Blanco), Karbach (Houston), St. Arnold’s (Houston), and soon Galactic Coast (Dickinson).

Galactic Coast Brewing is the “Lone Star State’s newest brewery” and will make its debut at Bakkhus Taverna this month.

Kouloumoundras also noted that the variety of craft beer is seasonal; much like the menu at Bakkhus Taverna.

The restaurant is serving lighter summer menu items. “In the heat of summer nobody really wants to eat food that will drag them down,” said Kouloumoundras. “We offer a selection of fresher, healthier food that won’t leave you feeling ‘heavy’ as the temperatures heat up.”

Overall, Greek cuisine is a good choice for a healthier lunch or dinner because of the emphasis on grilled meats, seafood and fresh vegetables. It is also a part of the Mediterranean diet that is considered to be a great way to eat within the dietary guidelines.

Start your visit at the restaurant with a light and delicious meze’, or appetizer. A good choice would be the grilled octopus or kalamari, and an order of tzatziki dip. Tzatziki dip is simply a homemade yogurt and sour cream based dip mixed with cucumber and garlic.

Greek salads are very popular as either an appetizer or even the main course. Bakkhus Taverna offers the classic Greek salad, Greek Village Salad, Aegean Salad with grilled tuna, salmon, or shrimp, and a grilled chicken salad. Grilled chicken and shrimp can also be found inside a pita along with sauteed vegetables. A veggie pita is an option as well.

Seafood lovers will enjoy a delicious and healthy specialty item called Tuna Spanaki. A tuna filet is dusted with Greek spices, fresh cracked pepper, then seared and cooked to your specifications. It is served atop a bed of sauteed spinach and served with chili garlic aioli sauce.

“Bakkhus Taverna takes pride in our menu selections,” said Kouloumoundras. “We use the freshest ingredients available. If you have any special dietary concerns, we will make every effort to accommodate your requests. Please ask your server to provide suggestions during your visit to address these concerns.”

Try a few of these ideas for a satisfying light summer meal at Bakkhus Taverna. For more information, visit www.bakkhustaverna.com. Don't forget to compliment your meal with a cold craft brew. Opa!