New Arrivals – October 2024
Posted by estiator at 14 October, at 19 : 40 PM Print
A coast-to coast glance at some of the industry’s newest additions
Glendale, California | GREEK BISTRO | greekbistro.com
This location, in the suburbs outside Los Angeles, is the second for Greek Bistro, which bills itself as “the highest-rated Greek restaurant in the country.”The airy, elegant eatery serves traditional appetizers like hummus, tzatziki, and babaganoush; salads; pita wraps; bowls; plates; desserts; and sides. They also offer monthly specials, catering, and private event hosting. Owner Karlo Toorosian opened the first Greek Bistro in Laguna Hills in 2016. “From our beloved classic gyros to our innovative signature bowls, each dish embodies the spirit of Greece,” the restaurant’s site says.
East Meadow, New York | PHILIA | philiarestaurant.com
This upscale spot opened in August on Long Island. Along with saganaki, lavraki, and a chicken kebab, the menu features crowd-pleasers like a Wagyu burger, fish & chips, and pastas. A lavish dessert menu includes baklava, chocolate lava cake, and a sweet ktipiti, or whipped feta. “Born from a dream to bring the warmth and richness of our heritage to New York, Philia is where we pour our hearts into every dish, using only the finest ingredients to create experiences that linger long after the meal is over,” its site enthuses.
Chicopee, Massachusetts | GYRO EXPRESS | www.facebook.com/people/Gyro-Express/61564099116893/
Fans of The Greek Place restaurant panicked when the fast-casual spot closed last November after44 years. But Gyro Express, which opened in late August, has taken its place in the Holyoke Mall, offering a similar slate of gyros, Greek salads, and kabobs, along with pizza and wings. “Thanks for making us feel so welcome in Chicopee! As we continue to navigate this new adventure, we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding,” the restaurant’s owners posted on Facebook.
New York City | GY.ROSE | gy.rose
“Our story is simple: we’re passionate about delivering authentic, hand-stacked gyros using only the finest ingredients,” declares the web site of this Midtown Manhattan newcomer. An all-day menu encompasses breakfast items like avocado pita, an egg-white gyro, and “spanakopita Madame”―a Greek spin on the classic Croque Madame sandwich. Lunch and dinner offerings include traditional starters and salads from dolmades, halloumi, and a Greek salad to the namesake gyros, in varieties including chicken, pork, beef, and lamb. Unlike some gyro spots, Gy.rose will also stuff gyros with French fries upon request.
Los Angeles | DEME | demerestaurant.com
Drawing inspiration from Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, and Lebanon―and with a Greek-goddess mural overlooking its 80-seat dining room―this hip eatery opened in downtown’s century-old Hotel Figueroa in August. Australian-born chef Blake Shailes has spun a menu boasting dishes like hot kamut pita with hummus, muhammara, whipped ricotta with caramelized harissa honey, and a whipped cod roe tarama salata. Shailes puts a spin on dolmades by wrapping bluefin tuna, sesame leaf, pickled melon, puffed rice, and serrano chili in thinly sliced cucumber. Shailes deep-fries phyllo and stuffs it with lobster for the golden-brown kataifi.
Portland, Maine | MAGISSA | magissaportland.com
Owners Nancy Klosteridis and Emily Otero opened this taverna-style Greek restaurant in early summer, “combining traditional preparations with local ingredients to create dishes that are authentically Greek and uniquely Portland, Maine,” the restaurant’s site explains. The menu features favorites like gigantes, dolma, and spanakopita, along with mezze and elevated gyros like chicken with brussels sprouts, lemon rice, and mustard veloute. Desserts include baklava and Pavlova, and a Greek-heavy wine list features acclaimed choices like Ktima Melios Mavrodaphne red. The restaurant’s name comes from μάγισσα―the word for “sorceress” or “witch.”
