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Food of the Gods


The first time I remember having Greek food was exactly forty-four years ago. It was spring break of my sophomore year in college and I was visiting a friend whose family was of Greek origin and lived in the New York City suburbs. Her name was Aphrodite and between walking the streets of Manhattan and seeing "Hair," we went to a very plain restaurant on West 47th St. to eat dinner. The decor was vinyl, linoleum and a steam table. I think our meal cost about three dollars, which is inexpensive now, but it represented almost three hours of pasting book plates in the college library. It would be the first of many trips to eat lamb, mousaka and baklava. The restaurant is long gone, but I'd happily paste a thousand more book plates and pockets for another first taste of baklava.

I can't go back forty years, but I can walk three blocks to Anthi's. In the interest of truth in journalism, I have yet to order from Anthi's. I have walked by at least fifty times, and keep thinking I'll stop there soon. I think soon needs to be sooner than later. From the first taste of mousaka and baklava I came to like Greek cuisine very much and to have, as the review describes Anthi's, "a humble, hidden gem" so close and not to sample their food is just wrong.

  Yes, it's another Buttercup selfie. They had me at premium Greek yogurt. 

Baklava on the second shelf, surrounded by assorted desserts.  

My favorite spot for eating Greek food in a restaurant is Astoria, Queens. Astoria has a large Greek population and has terrific restaurants. I don't have a favorite restaurant. I've eaten in several places and had very good meals. I especially like visiting Astoria in the summer. There are a number of sidewalk cafes and with a cup of coffee and a piece of baklava it's the closest to going to Athens, but only a subway ride away. 

Thanks so much for the feedback I've gotten on this series so far. I'm having the best time writing the posts for the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. and I am delighted to learn I'm encouraging visits to New York. If you do plan a trip to New York City, please don't be shy about looking me up. I'd love to do a little food sampling around the city with my blog buddies.  

I'm still working on my decluttering project and spent time today cleaning one of my kitchen cupboards and doing a review of the refrigerator. I have a very average sized refrigerator, but it's amazing how many things can get pushed to the back of the shelves. I think I use up what I buy, but there were more than a handful of things I'd completely forgotten about. I'm going to work very hard at not wasting food. 

As always, thanks for visiting and please stop by for "H" tomorrow. It's humble, but beloved, and I think we'll have a lot of fun.

18 comments

Melinda said...

We love Greek food and we
have a favorite place here
in town.

See you soon.

M : )

Terra said...

You had me at Greek food. One of our favorite ways to dine, I agree. You do need to stop in to this tiny store and sample. Moussaka, lamb, dolmas, everything made with filo dough.

Anonymous said...

We lived in Chicago and weren't that far from Greek Town, so we would go some evenings to a place that was a grocery store as well as a restaurant. The owner was wild: everyone was a friend and he'd greet you like you were a member of his family. Food was excellent, too. I used to work nearby, and we'd have team lunches there.

Anyway, stopping by from the A to Z Challenge.

John
http://thesoundofonehandtyping.wordpress.com

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

I love Greek food. I visited Greece about 25 years ago and since then, cannot pass up baklava if it is on the menu.

Isn't it funny how we sometimes travel out of our neighborhood or town and walk by a good place that is close by. I have done that often also.

I am enjoying reading your challenge posts and will refer to your suggestions next time I visit NY.

TARYTERRE said...

I love Greek food too. Nothing says comfort like, lamb, mousaka and baklava. You are lucky to have so many restaurant choices.

Sola Scriptura said...

I wasn't sure if I would like Greek food until we went on holiday to Greece. I loved it! I'm enjoying these posts!

The Cranky said...

Baklava, yum! One of these days I'm going to get very brave and try making my own.
Love Greek food and we all enjoy eating it; the Great Scot had lamb souvlaki with tzatziki the first time he came over to visit and it's still one of his favourites.

Anonymous said...

never been to new york but feel like i am getting acquainted especially via food which is a huge passion in our family
Sandra ( aust ) a to z er ' life without television'

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I do love baklava but other than that, have never had Greek foods. One of our local stores has it seasonally. Mostly during the holidays. You do have a great selection of different places to eat. That has to be one advantage of living where you do.

Chatty Crone said...

I love Greek food - we have a few down here in Georgia - I don't know how authentic though. Yummy!

Grammy Staffy said...

I have had very little Greek food but like what I have had. I can't eat today until after my CT scan at 2:30 and your post is making me hungry. Ha.... hugs,

Stephanie Faris said...

I just made Greek food the other night. I never do the crockpot part of it they recommend. I just season some of those frozen Tyson chicken chunks, add some onions, and put it in pitas with a cucumber sauce on the side. It tastes better than anything I've found at the Greek restaurants here, although I don't think Nashville is known for its great Greek restaurants!

Shonna Slayton said...

Now I'm hungry! I'll have to look up some Greek recipes...#atozchallenge

I.L. Wolf said...

Hi from the A to Z challenge! Now you've made me hungry! And I just ate. :)

http://bit2read.com/

Susie said...

The food looks good Buttercup. I actually have had baklava before. It's good. Hope you are getting some food samples while you are going through the a-z food search. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

BJ PUP said...

I love Greek food.
Astoria Blvd has some of the best Greek food.

Annesphamily said...

I do love baklava and Nick loves lamb! When we go to the Texas de Brazil, gauchos serve Southern American meats on swords! Nick was obsessing with the lamb. He is so funny because otherwise he eats pizza, hot cheetos and assorted other junk foods!

I loved this post. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Anne

Nellie said...

How did I miss this post?!? Greek food is probably my very favorite. Well, a close second to Italian, I'll have to allow. One of my favorite things to do is visit the Greek Fest that is held here about once or twice a year at the Greek Orthodox Church. Marvelous food! My favorite Greek restaurant isn't in business any longer.:-(