Lifestyles Magazine Review

You don’t have to be Greek, to enjoy an evening of delicious Greek delicacies, accompanied by the traditional music of Greece playing in the background. Just wander down to Greco’s Grill and Wine Bar at 167 Princess Street, Kingston. 

Owned and operated by the Kofinis family, the restaurant is small, but it is warm and cosy. Pictures of their Greek homeland decorate the walls, along with beautiful plants and several small trees lit up at night with tiny bulbs. 

Usually when eating out, I like to have good friends along – for a second opinion and because we can all order a variety of foods to try. This evening I am accompanied by my husband, Marco, and two very close family friends, Marianna and Roy. 

After ordering a bottle of Inniskillen Pinot Noir, our waiter, Steward, brought a basket of fresh garlic bread and a crunch flat bread covered with sesame seeds (Baked on the premises). A tasty salmon spread is served with the bread. 

For appetizers we tried the marinated octopus, (also prepared in the kitchen and very delicious) and the Saganaki. Saganaki is a square of tangy cheese that the waiter will flambe at your table. For those who have been sworn off salt, it is a salty cheese, but tasty. The flambe causes the cheese to he crusty on the outside and creamy on the inside. 

Having eaten at Greco’s a number of times, I find it very difficult to pass up the Gourmet Chicken. It is fantastic, but this evening they are preparing for me the Chicken in Puff Pastry, a similar dish and equally delicious. (It’s not on the menu, but it is offered occasionally as a special). After a little arm twisting, we got the recipe for you to try at home. 

Marco and Roy both ordered the grilled lamb chops. I don’t think they could resist them. Marianne ordered the garlic shrimp platter served on a bed of rice. They looked wonderful. All this food went down nicely with a bottle of Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon. After the meal, we were so full that we did not want to hear the word “dessert,” so instead we enjoyed a coffee, accompanied by a warmed brandy. 

Don’t be afraid of breaking the bank at Greco’s. Prices are very reasonable, especially for the quality of the cuisine. On the dinner menu, appetizers such as Tiropita, Carpaccio and Bruschetta are priced from $2.95 through $9.95. Entrees are priced from $8.50 to $13.95 including items like the Chicken Parmesan, Filet Mignon and Rack of Lamb. For fish and seafood lovers, Rainbow Trout, Filet of Salmon and Poseidon’s Platter, are priced from $9.95 to $14.95. The menu also features a selection of pasta dishes and a variety of gourmet pizzas. Wine lovers won’t he disappointed either, a wide selection of wines are available from California, Greece, Italy, Chile, Australia and Ontario. 

From Lifestyles Magazine; April ’96