date: 1/6/09
location: minneapolis
grade:b-

in winter in minnesota, when you can't afford to travel outside the country, it's nice to be able to do a mini-getaway at dinner, and gardens of salonica doesn't feel minnesota. in a good way. in fact, it doesn't resemble a lot of other restaurants. there's some interesting paintings and sculptures of the sort you just don't see in most restaurants, a low-key entrance (and a very low-key sign, especially compared to conga latin bistro down the block).

we started out solidly, with a combination place, where you can pick three things off the appetizer list for $8.95, where you get a bit of a reduced portions. we got the skordalia ("pureed garlic with potato, greek olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, seasonings," usually $4.50), the tyro ("feta blended with greek olive oil, roasted red peppers, hot peppers, garlic, seasonings," $4.95) and the anginares ("artichoke hearts in greek olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon juice, garlic, seasonings" $4.95). how surprising, i got cheese and potatoes. it came with pita, too. and it was really really good. especially the skordalia. i remember it was good from when i was here ages and ages ago (pre-may 03, at least, it predates the bite me index).

i was going to have the soup of the day next ($3.95), which sounded a bit like the at the acropol inn - an avgolemono with salt cod. i ordered it. it just never got to the table. though having had the dips, it wasn't the worst thing that could've happened. i didn't ask for it, it didn't appear on the bill. and it could've been that after i ordered it, i asked if we should get the trio o'dips, so maybe the server thought that was instead of the soup. service was not bad otherwise. not great, not bad. again, better than i usually get.

other people split the larger boughatsa™ ( note the™) "savory handwrapped fillo pastries" that come in one or two sizes, the 3.95, the beef mushroom burgundy one ("ground beef, fresh mushrooms, onion, burgundy wine" $3.95), it looked a lot like spanakopita only different, and it was fine.

one person opted for a entree, orzo arni ("braised lamb simmered with greek pasta in red sauce" $12.95). it was ok, but came with great parmesan. they do get points for letting you know on the menu there may be bones in it... me i should just assume that of everything. they also label the vegetarian and vegan things on the menu, and use a lot of 'natural' meat, by the way.

everyone else had sandwiches ($7.50 per)... two for gyros ("blend of rotisserie ground beef and lamb... wrapped in greek pita with fresh tomatoes, onions, parsley, tzatziki..."), and one (me) for the chicken souvlaki done up the same as the pitas. the gyros were a bit tough and unmanageable (dino's version being easier to eat, if not tastier). the chicken was cold and didn't stand out- it needed more seasoning. they were all average. the sandwiches came with greek fries, the size of steak fries, only flat and crisp. good with the malt vinegar they brought to the table. an interesting twist on the usual fry. what made them 'greek,' i know not. i didn't detect any oregano or what have you..

we were surprised to see the larger room of the place quite full, and tables (mostly with 4+ people) getting turned. part of that's probably the atmosphere. it's not all tense or loud or anything and again, it's like being in another place. one that's warmer, anyway. for some reason you don't hear about this place much anymore. wonder why that is, as they do some newer greek and greek-style cuisine than you see in most local places..

anyway, if you go... order some apps for sure.