Undercover Food Critic

A few friends and I discussed over lunch one day how we should pretend to be food critics with clipboards in tow, just for a lark. We could just act the part and not actually say that we are food critics. I bet we would get better service and it would be a lot of fun in the process. A real win-win situation.

Until we find a time to get together, I decided to have a little foodie adventure on my own.

Instead of running into the Jack-in-the-Box after my morning class, I stepped into a little Greek deli/cafe. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, except that I had heard that gyros were similar to schwarmas, and that was what I really wanted for lunch.

As my eyes adjusted to being inside, I discovered I had walked through the side door, and all of the customers at the tables were blinking at me. I was so clearly a newbie to this place. Since no one came up to greet me, I made my way to the back of the deli, where an old Greek man sat behind the counter. I stood idly for a few minutes, trying in vain to read the lunch options on the whiteboards, but it was all Greek to me (sorry I couldn't resist). Finally a young waiter handed me a menu and asked me what drink I'd like. Then the old Greek guy called to me. It was my turn to order.

 

 

I already knew I wanted a regular Gyro with all the beef and lamb and goodness, so that's what I ordered. In a thick accent, the Greek man said "Hero?" I said, yes, I'll be eating here, not to go. He said "What did you want?" I answered him with a puzzled face, I want the first sandwich on the menu, the Gyro. Again he said "Hero?" At this moment my face flushed a bright red (well, it felt red, for all I know it could have flushed green), Oh I'm pronouncing it wrong, I said. I'm so sorry. Hero, hero, I said aloud to erase the times I said gyro (like gyroscope). The Greek man just smiled broadly and continued filling out my ticket.

At my table I got a good look at my surroundings. Gorgeous bright blue colors were everwhere. Magic carpet canapies lay draped under the florescent lights. A huge seaside mural faced me, and took me to a little spot in Greece. Behind me, there were shelves and shelves of wines and whole foods and spices.






Almost a proper panoramic

The lamb and beef gyro was very savory. The yoghurt had just enough punch in the seasoning to complement the sandwich. As a side you can order fries, a salad, rice or one other thing I can't remember. I ordered the rice, which came mixed with shredded carrots. A wonderful combination with the gyro.

After eating, I wanted to complete my tour of the Greek Deli with a look into the restroom. Honestly, I was disappointed. It was clean enough, but it lacked a cohesiveness with the dining room. I think the restrooms are the best place to hang themed decorations that might not be classy enough for the dining room. I think a blue and white paint job with some cheesy Greek knick-knacks would have been perfect. Instead, the bathroom was a dull mauve color with a framed picture of teddy bears.

Other than that small detail, I loved this place and would go again. Next time I would go with someone, as this is apparently not a place at which you eat alone. The young waiter asked in a surprised tone if I was eating alone, and even looked behind me for my phantom date. Then I noticed everyone else came in to eat with at least one friend.

Here's a picture of their place. If you can't tell where it is and would like to eat there, leave me a comment, and I'll let you know.