Verts Test Kitchen Pop Up Serving Innovative Mediterranean Cuisine

Verts Mediterranean Grill co-founders Michael Heyne and Dominik Stein are excited to announce the launch of Verts Test Kitchen at the original Austin location on Gaudalupe. The Verts Test Kitchen is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the amazing talent of Culinary Director Jason Donaho and Assistant Culinary Director Kate Schirm to the community while discovering new chef-inspired creations to compliment Verts current menu offerings. When Chef is in store he will be experimenting with new recipes offering samples to guests. The menu at the Guadalupe location will also offer experimental and seasonal items developed out of the Test Kitchen. The open kitchen allows dining guests an opportunity to see the chefs in action as they prepare Mediterranean inspired cuisine from scratch. The team at Verts Mediterranean Grill is committed to sourcing many of their ingredients locally and the Test Kitchen is no exception. Verts proudly featured local products during my test kitchen experience to include Gundermann Acres, Animal Farm, Village Farms, Texas Olive Ranch, Honey Doe Farm, Mill King Dairy and Dripping Springs Gin.

Lamb Meatballs – Photo Courtesy of Verts

The dining experience started with light snacks of fried olives, savory lamb meatballs, tender beef & lamb tartare, green falafel smartly paired with Juve y Comps 2011 bubbles. The crisp fried olives were incredibly delicious and addicting. The perfectly cooked meatballs were rich and flavorful, I simply could not get enough of the tartare and the green falafel is a crowd pleaser for even for the carnivores in our group.

Green Tahini at Verts Test Kitchen

The Mezze was a delightful spread of house made Pita, Crudite, Marinated Olives, crisp Pickles with a trio of fabulous dips. The Green Tahini was to die for. The vibrant Beet Tzatziki goes exquisitely with their soft Pita and the creamy Hummus was delicious.

Rise Gin & Tonic Paired with Mezze at Verts Test Kitchen

 The refreshing house Rose Gin & Tonic  flavors mirrored the vibrant flavors of the trio of dips.

Fattoush at Verts Test Kitchen

The Fattoush is a gorgeous farm fresh plate of tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, radish, creamy avocado sprinkled with bites of crispy pita and slightly tart sumac. 

Lamb Chops and Harissa Carrots at Verts Test Kitchen

The main attraction was the Lamb Chops! The perfectly seasoned chops were served with a refreshing za\’ atar and black garlic tahini. Spicy harissa carrots with a cool yogurt & cilantro chermoula was plated with the lamb chops. The Silver Peak Pinot Noir was absolutely lovely with this dish.