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I'm Greek Today proprietor Chris Papas opened his new restaurant in Royal Palm Beach. (Bruce R. Bennett / The Post)
The Greek restaurant boom continues.
The latest addition to the ever-growing list of local Greek eateries is I’m Greek Today (11051 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach; 561-333-4233; imgreektoday.com), a family-run restaurant situated in the space formerly belonging to Naylah.
“The timing was right,” explained owner Chris Papas of his new venture. The former Canadian restaurateur is referring to the fact that Greek food is getting plenty popular locally — think Ouzo Blue in Lake Worth and Palm Beach Gardens, Taverna Opa in CityPlace, Mr. Gyros in Palm Beach Gardens — but there still wasn’t a Greek restaurant of note in the western communities. Plus, Papas was able to move into a space that was already fairly well-suited for his concept.
“We’ve done a cosmetic makeover. It’s a similar space with the elimination of a wall here and there,” he said of the transition from Naylah to I’m Greek Today.
Menu-wise, the concept is Greek casual (or “Greek taverna,” in Papas’ words). That means plenty of Greek classics — souvlaki, grilled fish, spinach pies and moussaka (Aunt Geri’s moussaka, to be exact). Papas also believes he has one of the largest selections of Greek desserts locally.
But if there’s a real twist to Papas’ concept it’s that he’s hoping to keep things as healthy as possible. “We’re trying to cut out some of the excess salt and compensate more with dry and fresh herbs,” he said. Heart-healthy oils are also used.
I'm Greek Today's lamb souvlaki platter. (Bruce R. Bennett / The Post)
Flavor addition
The value-priced September Flavor Palm Beach promotion (flavorpalmbeach.com), featuring three-course lunches for $19.09 and three-course dinners for $30, is rolling along. At the last minute, organizers added one more restaurant: Leila in downtown West Palm Beach (120 S. Dixie Highway; 561-659-7373; leilawpb.com).
And if you missed it, the promotion’s kickoff party at the Centennial Fountain in downtown West Palm was a tasty, well-organized affair, featuring samples from participating Flavor restaurants. My favorite bites included the New England clam chowder from Spoto’s Oyster Bar in Palm Beach Gardens (yes, it was a hot night for chowder, but still…) and the shrimp with grits from Ironwood Grille at the PGA National Resort and Spa.
Openings …
A new Rancho Chico has opened in Jupiter (6390 Indiantown Road, Suite 45; 561-745-9087; ranchochico.net.). The growing Mexican chain — solid and inexpensive — has established locations in Tequesta and Stuart.
… and closings
Sadly, a few restaurants have shut their doors in recent weeks. Among the closings: Las Gaoneras in Boynton Beach, Café Joley in Boca Raton and Cucina D’Angelo in Boca Raton.
We recently tried “I’m Greek Today” Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach and we were extremely disappointed in the quality and quantity of the platter we ordered.
The Lamb Souvlaki came highly recommended by the server which we happen to love, we asked if the platter was substantial and were told “oh yes it is more than enough!”
When our 2 platters arrived we looked at the tiny bits of lamb and laughed….our salad was warm and oily as well sitting on the same plate.
The owner Chris came over to say Hi and I asked him “is this the right size?” His response was “oh you should have ordered a double platter!” Then I asked Chris why the salad was warm?
He responded with “the salad should be cold and they must have not done that in the kitchen”!
Well at this point we were so hungry and Chris made no attempt to rectify anything that we decided to not come back. When the bill came they even charged for a refill of ice coffee?? I asked if they give refills and was told “not on ice coffee!” What restaurant do you know charges for ice coffee??
As you can see, you will have to spend more money then you think on your bill when you step into “I’m Greek Today”…or should I say “I’m Ripped Off Today”!!
My friends and I just tried I’m Greek Today” and we could not wait to leave and go home to eat some quality food! We were not sure what to order, so when the waiter pointed to the platters we were delighted to try them!
We waited an eternity for them, when they finally arrived we just looked at each other in shock….we were a table of 6 staring at very little food, mostly salad!
We asked for the owner Chris who made himself extremely busy and finally came over to our table after about 10 minutes. We asked why the platters had mostly salad on them? He smiled and said
“if you are hungry then order the double platter”!
We all felt taken advantage of and did not need the owner to try and get us to spend more money when the platters should have not been all salad to begin with!
We will not be returning to this restaurant to only leave hungry and have the owner Chris not do anything for our table but serve us a lot of salad!
We’ve been to this restaurant twice and will be eating there again regularly. Their Gyros are the best I’ve had in PBC since I moved here 7 years ago. The hummus is served with fresh warm pita bread and is excellent. I was with someone who doesn’t like hummus, but after I insisted they try it – loved it! She ate more than half of it to my dismay, however, we were given a refill when the waiter noticed it was gone.
I’ve also had their steak which is marinated and was so tender and juicy that I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered it on our waiter’s recommendation. The portion was way more than I expected and I’ll be sure to order it again on future visits.
Another must is their seasoned fries. They bring the in from Canada and are the best seasoned fry I’ve had at a restaurant in a long time. And if you like Greek salads, I’m Greek Today’s is excellent. Everything I’ve had there surpassed my expectations and I found the price/value for the food excellent.
I guess the old adage is that you can’t please everybody. And boy, am I glad I did not listen to the first two reviewers who chose to complain, since I have acquaintances that seem to have their personal gray cloud that they bring along everywhere they go.
My wife and I tried I’m Greek Today this past weekend, and we were both extremely happy about our experience.
First of all, one of my most important attributes for a restaurant: cleanliness- I cannot stand to eat in a place that takes shortcuts in cleaning (because if they do in places you SEE, guess what happens in places you DON’T see!). This place was immaculate, even the washrooms were spotless.
The food was very, very enjoyable. Although I usually like hummus, I fell in love with the revithosalata, which is the Greek-style hummus dip, which I found out does not use Sesame Tahini, making it less-pasty, with a wonderful texture and taste. The accompanied pita was warm and fresh.
We had an appetizer of Saganaki- a slice of Greek cheese very lightly coated and broiled, and brought piping hot to the table, then doused with freshly squeezed lemon. Absolutely delicious.
My wife had a chicken souvlaki, on which he raved about the flavor of the chicken (I suppose the marinade that they make). And yes, she got the single skewer and for her it was enough- if you are a man or eat like one, order a double skewer, since it is only $3 more. She had that with the seasoned Greek fries, and the accompanied Greek salad, served with some delicious “Tzatziki”, which is yogurt-based with cucumber and garlic.
My meal was nothing short of outstanding- the sea bass with rice, which was baked with a very light tomato and wine sauce which did not overpower the fish, which was cooked to perfection, extremely fresh, and very flavorful. In short, it was the best fish I have had in a restaurant in years.
I do not remember the name of the homemade dessert we had, but it had a top layer of phyllo dough similar to baklava, but with a filling below it that is sort of a cross between bread pudding and custard. The result was a flavorful, creamy dessert that does not overpower you like baklava (which they had). A great way to top a meal.
All in all, a wonderful dining experience, and I recommend it with no reservations. If you want fresh Greek food done in a healthful manner, and in a clean environment, you will be sure to enjoy this.
Hello everybody, i have been more than a dozen of time to this restaurant and let me tell you that:”this restaurant is just great for you and your family.” The quality of the food and the service is always nice and fast and the taste of the food is awsome.
Bring you whole family and forget those previous comment. You wont regret it. Remember, do not beleive all you read.
Take good care!
Nicolas
I have been there a few times, and its always been great. I love their lunch specials. There is a wide range of food. Good place to bring your co-workers! Great prices love the decor.
I highly recommended it.
You won’t regret it!
Tina
From wellington
Review (01/14/2011) by Liz Balmaseday Palm Beach Post Staff writer hit it right on the nose. The service is extremely poor. If you will like to try Greek Food and can put up with lousy service by all means give it a try. We did find the food tasty. The owner always has an excuse for the lousy service you will get from his staff so don’t bother complaining, just don’t TIP.
I have only been there one time and was very pleased with the Revithosalata and warm pita. I also order the Greek burger pita which wasn’t bad and the fries were enjoyable. I do have to add the service from my waiter was lousy he didn’t want to answer my questions when i asked about some of the dishes, just don’t tip….lol