Speaking of Delicious Grease (Gyros)

After much daydreaming and salivating over the thought of pizza, I decided to take myself over to Saggios for a slice. Only I never made it that far. As I got out of my car on Cornell, the smell of fresh Greek food accosted me (stronger than that of Italian), so instead of walking through the door of my kitsch destination, I traipsed across the street for a gyro at Gyros. And I didn't look back.

There are a few Greek restaurants within close proximity to the University, and I find Gyros to be the best, though I know I'm upsetting the Olympia Cafe contingent. Don't worry, folks, I'm an equal Greek-ist, so I've been to both several times. The main difference for me is in the pita and the galaktoboureko (I'll explain this momentarily). Also, I find the set-up of Gyros to be just a tad bit more classy. So Gyros wins, and will be my review of the day.

Walk into Gyros and you'll immediately appreciate the use of copper in a restaurant. Something about their color scheme just screams posh to me, and I immediately feel like I've stepped away from UNM (but keep in mind that I'm easily amused, so don't put too much stock in my ambiance comments). You order at the counter, and usually there are just enough people ahead of you that you have time to peruse the menu and make a decision before it's your turn. It's basic Greek fare, so much of it is familiar. The menu board does a nice job of explaining the lesser-known items, and even offers you the pronunciation so you don't sound like a complete tool when ordering. You'll then get a number to put on your table (in Greek, so you also score a mini Greek lesson while you wait) and a server will promptly bring your food out.

I'd like to suggest:
* The gyros sandwich- the old standby and definitely the best. The pita is warm and soft, the meat is flavorful, and the tzadziki has enough garlic to kill any cold you've been harboring. If you go for the combo, you get a side Greek salad and fresh potato fries (cut into the shape of chips).
* Dolmas- some combination of goodness wrapped in a grape leaf and pickled slightly. They are like mini burritos if burritos were wrapped in leaves and filled with lemony rice and pine nuts.
* Tabbouleh- made of bulgar wheat with lots of lemon juice and fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. It's a classic Greek side, and I find it to be very refreshing and quite addictive.
* An Italian soda- yes, you read right. When at Gyros, order yourself a soda to go with your food. It's lighter than beer (especially if you have to go back to work after lunch) and made-to-order, so you can flavor it up however you like.
* Galaktoboureko- baklava's fun cousin. Instead of just layers of phyllo, you get custard wrapped in phyllo and topped with lemon syrup. Trust me, this stuff is way better that baklava, and it offers an interesting textural adventure for the mouth.

Gyros offers a whole slew of traditional Greek foods, and though I haven't eaten everything they offer, I feel pretty comfortable telling you to try anything. This place believes in using garlic and lemon to the max, so I generally think they can do no wrong. You'll leave Greek-gorged and happy...and you probably won't even notice the good smells coming from Saggios across the street. I know I didn't.