As I roamed downtown today at lunchtime, I spotted balloons and banners. Surveying the scene, I immediately realized that a new restaurant, Daphne’s Greek Cafe had recently opened. I’m observant like that. Being the dedicated public servant that I am, I knew that I had to try their food and give you a first-hand report. I’m willing to make that sacrifice for you, our dedicated readers.
The place was hopping, with folks dining in, waiting for their take-out orders, and standing in line to order. Plates and platters were assembled in the kitchen and sent on their way at a breakneck pace, and they still had customers milling around and waiting. I can only hope that the crowds die down as the novelty wears off.
The menu is fairly impressive, and goes way beyond the typical Greek fast food standards (here’s a PDF version of the menu). You can get a variety of pita sandwiches, including gyros, salads, kebabs, and even half a chicken. Sides include salads, fries, and rice pilaf. You can even get a cup of Avgolemono (egg-lemon) soup.
In order to make a fair comparison, I ordered the standard lunch: a Gyro and fries. You know how sometimes you order a “Gyro”, and what you get is a pita filled with microwaved strips of some kind of pressed meat product? Well, at Daphne’s, you may still be getting a pressed meat product, but at least it’s being sliced off the traditional rotating cone ‘o meat, sizzling and popping as it browns. The lettuce, tomatoes and onion on the Gyro were plentiful and crisp, which was a nice surprise. The tatziki was served on the side, and it was much thicker than is typical. The flavor was quite good, though. And the fries were…fries. But they had a good flavor, and you got plenty of them.
The owners call Daphne’s “fast-casual” to distinguish it from fast food, and I think it’s a fair statement. Certainly the quality of the food is better than you can expect from the standard food court Greek place, but service is still pretty fast. Or will be, when the crowds die down. All in all, I give it a thumbs up, and have high hopes for future visits.
You can find Daphne’s Greek Cafe downtown at the corner of SW Alder and 6th Ave, but there’s also one at 3435 SW Cedar Hills Blvd in Beaverton, and one at 19300 NW Cornell Road in Tanasbourne.
{ 3 comments }
I’ve eaten at the one in Beaverton a couple of times, and I like it. The food is good, don’t know how “authentic” it is (if you want authentic out here in the ‘burbs, you go to the Mad Greek at 185th and West Union), but it’s good.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joshb/2285570984/
Oh, and – Mmmm. Feta Fries.
We have one here in Denver as well… its ok:)
> it was much thicker than is typical
Sounds like real Greek yogurt. Yum.
Comments on this entry are closed.