About 2 weeks ago, PK and decided to slowly make our way to the Arlington Greek Fest. On our way, we got a few good yard sale scores. ( I picked up a Victrola VV-XIfor $10!) This was our first Greek Fest of the season so we were looking forward to some good Gyros and Lamb directly from the Spit (Arlington is one of the few fest that I know of that does this). Unfortunately, the Gyros were the crap frozen patties so we decided to head to the spit where we were told that it would be an hour until the lamb was ready.
We decided to pass the time with a couple bottles of Mythos and a Loukaniko (Greek sausage). The sausage was great. When we finished, the lamb wasn’t ready so we got a few more bottles of Mythos. Then, just as we were about to head over to the desert table for the Loukamathes, the lamb was off the grill. It was worth the wait, but a bit pricey at $16.
Verdict: A nice start to the season, but I can’t wait until the Somerville Greek Fest. (And, I’m sad that I missed the Watertown Greek Fest last weekend.)
Greek, Uncategorized, arlington
Within a span of just a few weeks, PK and I went to the Somerville and the Brookline Greek Fests. Here is a quick rundown.
Ambiance: Both were crowded with loud Greek music–Tie
Liquor: Both fests served plastic glasses that were filled to the top with red wine–Tie!
Food (not counting the Gyros): Both places had a good variety. I did not try enough at Brookline to compare the two fests in this category. I was disappointed that the taramosalata at Brookline was not homemade.
From Brookline:
Gyros: Somerville’s Gyros line was very long, but well worth the wait due to the conversation, the liquor counter located nearby, and the people walking by with samples of various dishes from the kitchen. When it was finally our turn, we got tons of lamb right off the spit for $6. This is by far the best gyros that I have had in the Boston area. On the other hand, the Brookline fest’s gyros consisted of frozen pre-formed pieces of “gyros” that were thrown on the grill. I wish that I noticed this before I ordered since this was a waste of $6. The obvious winner here is Somerville.
From Brookline:
From Somerville (sorry about the horrible picture):
Loukamathes: They were outstanding at both places, but Brookline has a bit of an edge due to the extra crispiness.
Verdict: Somerville wins!
Brookline, Greek, Somerville
After a fun filled few hours at jury duty, I decided to walk around Brighton to find a place to pick up something for lunch. I was about to try a new BBQ spot, but when I saw a sign for Greek food, I was hooked. At Esperia, I ordered a Gyros ($6.25). While I know that a Greek gyros can be filled with either lamb, chicken, or pork, I was disappointed that it was pork and not lamb. However, I was so hungry that it did not take me long to get over this. While the gyros was packed full of meat and was quite tasty, I found the pork to be just a little too dry.
Verdict: Good, but not great.
Greek, brighton
On Saturday, PK was in Watertown so she stopped by Sevan’s Bakery to bring home some treats. She picked up some of their homemade Taramosalata ($5.99/pound) and a circular bread that had eggplant, cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomato, and olive oil on top of it ($4.00). I had no idea what the real name of this was so I decided to check in with Silva, an Armenian friend who I work with, and she said that it definitely is not Armenian. Ten minutes later she came to my office to let me know that she had called Sevan’s and they told her that it was just something that they came up with and it has no name. Also, I would like to point out that Silva just got upset with me since I did not have Sevan’s Lahmahjoon, which she claims is amazing. I blamed PK so I am off the hook. Anyway, Sevan’s has the second to best taramosalata that I have ever had. (The best is at Greek Islands in Chicago.) If you buy the taramosalata at Sevan’s, make sure to get the one that they make there, and not the one that comes in a jar since it is not as good.
Verdict: Sevan’s is one of my favorite bakeries in the Boston area. It is almost impossible to walk out of there with just a few things. That is why I now go there with only $10 in my pocket. Next time I go, I will take Silva’s advice and have their Lahmahjoon.
Armenian, Bakery, Greek, Turkish, Watertown
The other week, PK and I were on our way to National Lumber in Newton to pick up some trim for our bathroom that is currently being remodeled. Just across the street, we spotted Farm Grill & Rotisseria, a Greek restaurant. We decided to try it. This place has a take out/fast food atmosphere and they serve beer, which is a plus. We decided to share a lamb gyros sandwich ($7.50) and a 1/2 pint of taramasalata ($3.95). The gyros was tasty, but not the best that I have had in Boston. I wish that the sauce and the lamb had a bit more flavor. The taramasalata was quite good but not the best. (Sevan’s in Watertown is the clear taramasalata winner.) However, when we brought the leftover taramasalata home and dipped some olive bread in it the next day, and, for some reason it was much more delicious.
Verdict: If I am hungry and drive by Farm Grill & Rotisseria, I would definately stop in for a meal. If I am not hungry, I would most likely stop in and get some tarmoosalata to go. Next time, I need to try their baklava.
Greek, Newton, MA