When visiting Tarrytown, NY a couple of weeks ago, we found Lefteris Gyro. From the outside it looked like an authentic Greek tavern and after peering in through the windows to check out the food being served, we decided we couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Greek food - and I'm talking about the real deal - is not readily found in Manhattan. Coming from Toronto with its rich Greek culture and community, it's sad to not see the same here. But, I will say that I have yet to visit Greektown in Astoria, Queens, which I've heard is teeming with authentic Greek food.
Lefteris' was crowded with people and Greek paraphernalia. The host, who I assume was Mr. Lefteris himself or one of his decedents, welcomed us in. His thick accent, paired with the aroma of food cooking had my heart fluttering. I haven't been this close to potentially great Greek food since our trip to Greece last year.
We started with the taramosalata with warm pita. This is a Mr. Oh favourite. Personally, I'm not a fan. Taramosalta (or Taramas in Greek) is traditionally made from cod or carp fish roe, mixed with mashed potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil and vinegar. I enjoy fish roe, it's the potato I can't handle. And what's worse, the versions I've tried in North America replace the potato with gooey mayonnaise! Need I say more?!
For my meal, I ordered the Gyro (pronounced more like hiro than jiro) with lamb in a pita. The pita was soft and warm; the lamb was tender and perfectly cooked; the tzatziki tart and garlicky; the tomatoes, onions and other toppings were fresh and crispy. I was in heaven!
Opa!
Greek food - and I'm talking about the real deal - is not readily found in Manhattan. Coming from Toronto with its rich Greek culture and community, it's sad to not see the same here. But, I will say that I have yet to visit Greektown in Astoria, Queens, which I've heard is teeming with authentic Greek food.
Lefteris' was crowded with people and Greek paraphernalia. The host, who I assume was Mr. Lefteris himself or one of his decedents, welcomed us in. His thick accent, paired with the aroma of food cooking had my heart fluttering. I haven't been this close to potentially great Greek food since our trip to Greece last year.
We started with the taramosalata with warm pita. This is a Mr. Oh favourite. Personally, I'm not a fan. Taramosalta (or Taramas in Greek) is traditionally made from cod or carp fish roe, mixed with mashed potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil and vinegar. I enjoy fish roe, it's the potato I can't handle. And what's worse, the versions I've tried in North America replace the potato with gooey mayonnaise! Need I say more?!
For my meal, I ordered the Gyro (pronounced more like hiro than jiro) with lamb in a pita. The pita was soft and warm; the lamb was tender and perfectly cooked; the tzatziki tart and garlicky; the tomatoes, onions and other toppings were fresh and crispy. I was in heaven!
Opa!
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