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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. Gryos 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.
Nonetheless, Papas, who runs the restaurant with his wife Cathy and son Alex, promises that diners won’t go away hungry. “We’re trying to give ‘wow’-size portions for a reasonable price,” he said. Sandwiches run $7-$8.50; entrees are all under $20. There’s also a small wine list, with most bottles (including a few Greek ones) under $40.
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.
The weekly dish: Whoopie pies
A recent trip to Boston to take my son to college gave me an opportunity to indulge in one of my favorite New England treats — whoopie pies!
“What’s a whoopie pie?” you ask. That’s simple: Think of it as a gigantic sandwich cookie — only the cookie part is more like a cake.
Chocolate with vanilla cream filling is the classic version, but the yummy one I found was a pumpkin with vanilla one, courtesy of a Boston-area gluten-free bakery, Strawberry Moon (strawmoon.com).
It’s enough to make me think of flying back up to Beantown for a mid-fall visit.
We have been to I’m Greek Today. Great food, reasonable, great atmosphere, great service. YOU gotta go!!!
We recently tried “I’m Greek Today” Restaurant 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 refills on 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”!!
I recently tried “I’m Greek Today” Restaurant and I was disappointed as well….
I tried the Beef Souvlaki platter and was in shock when I was greeted with tiny little nuggets on a skewer! $10.00 should have at least covered the size of this portion as the only other thing on the plate was an extremely way too oily salad with 2 wedges of potatoes…
I ordered a diet soda, but from your experience I will make sure to never order an ice coffee! Which they will charge you for refills!?? How very cheap of them to do this to their customers…
I will not be going back as there are many other great Greek restaurants that I would rather spend my money at!
Too bad we both had this poor experience at I’m Greek Today.
Recently ate here and could not believe the amount of food that was provided on my plate (got the double platter). It would have been enough for three meals easily and I ordered double because I sure dont eat like a bird. Prices were not bad at all compared to the amount of food you get. Service was excellent! I do not eat hummus but their hummus and pita was to die for! I have absolutely nothing negative to say.
I heard rave reviews about this restaurant and finally tonight I brought my friends and family to this restaurant and it was not only substandard but I felt I would of gotten better service at the Rib Shack next door to I’m Greek Today. First off the Pita bread that they served you when you sat down was soggy and wet. The Ice Tea they served us was so watered down it tasted like bad water. The Gyro meat was so dry we decided to bring it home to the dogs. The salad was wilted and at this point we decided to pay the bill and get out of there. We next door to Rita’s Ice Cream and had dinner there. So if I was to name this restaurant it would not be called (I’m Greek Today) I would name it (Greek My Ass) Sorry but you need to have proper servers and have someone checking the food line before things go out to the customer. Oh I forget when we were served the appetizers he dissapeared and left us with no napkins and silverware.
Do not say you have not been warned.
We were shocked at what we had just experienced after walking out of “I’m Greek Today”. I thought it would be nice to take the family out for greek food on Monday. So, Being repeat customers of this restaurant we’ve had some good experiences here and also some poor ones, but nothing as horrible as tonight. Across all 4 meals we ordered, we had gyro meat, steak, and chicken (nothing fancy)
After waiting for about 40 minutes without drink refills, we finally received our food. The gyro meat was hard on one side, the steak was overdone, and the chicken was dried out.
It took another 10-15 minutes to finally flag down our server and we expressed our disappointment, so he calls the manager over(which took another 10 minutes for him to show up).
The owner said he’d take the gyro meat off the bill, refused to admit that anything was wrong with the other meat, and refused to correct the mistakes. He wasn’t even apologetic about the situation and acted insulted that anyone would suggest that he has issues.
He then told us that our business was not welcome there anymore and kicked us out.
Here’s the kicker, his wife also working in the restaurant follows us out and had the gall to ask me to pay the bill after being kicked out and given the situation.
STAY AWAY FROM “I’M GREEK TODAY” RESTAURANT !!!!!!!
HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE
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.