January 18, 2016 • 6

Greek Street Cafe

 GS sign
3546 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S
Ste 106
Jacksonville, FL 32224
  
My friend and fellow food blogger who writes the Snack and Jill  has been after me for weeks to try this spot.   I trust her choices so as soon as there was an opening I made my way over, and a happy event it was.  Run by a sister and brother team, long time resident Peter and his sister Eva,  have brought their talents to play and in doing so filled the void by bringing authentic Greek cuisine to the area.   
A bright spot that seats about 60, well appointed  with a modern look. 
stuff
 
Interior
 
Kitchen area
  
I have been fortunate and  have traveled to Greece so I was familiar with many of the dishes and  saw several of my favorites listed, one of them being the Grilled Octopus.  Not abundant here in Jacksonville  I knew that was to be my main dish.  I looked over to see how to begin my  feast  and decided on the   Taverna Special, a combination platter of the best Greek treats, the diner gets to choose four choices from the Meze  menu.  I selected Tzatziki, a homemade yogurt and cucumber dish, Melizanosalata,  smokey roasted eggplant with diced tomato and red onion,  Dolmades, stuffed grape leaves, and the Keftedes, the traditional Greek meatballs, served with warm slices of fresh Pita.  I was gleeful when the platter arrived.  This is truly a  2 person dish, but I was prepared to sample each choice and take the remaining  home.  
Taverna Special

Taverna Special

  
For any reader who has traveled to Greece or had an opportunity to taste “real” Greek yogurt it has nothing to do with what is sold in your local supermarket.  The Tzatziki was so rich, smooth, tart all at the same time, a slight drizzle of high quality olive oil  completed the  circle.   Meatballs, the perfect balance of meat to herbs, moist and tender,  Melizanosalata, smokey and sweet blended well with the tomato taste, Dolmades, better than I have ever tasted even in my travels. The warm Pita made a perfect pillow for the dips.
When time came for my main, I ordered Octopus only to be told it was not ready.  Peter shared with me that it sells out almost as quick as it is ready, but would be available the next day at lunch time.  Crushed!!!  I moved past it I had a plan.  I went with the Pork Platter, two skewers of  lean pork marinated in the classic Greek blend of lemon, olive oil and  seasoning then charred, served over yellow rice with a small side salad and warm pita. Again this platter was large enough for two people.
Pork Platter 2

Pork Platter

 I forgot about the missing Octopus and delighted in what was in front of me.  Meat warm and tender, rice flavorful and salad like a palate cleanser, tossed in the house made dressing.  
I had to pass on dessert, but my plan was to return tomorrow and dine on the Octopus only, so I would indulge myself then.
 
So here is the remainder of the review.  Next day it was impossible for me to get away for lunch.  I called Peter and identified myself as the woman who swooned over the Octopus and would he please make me an order to go and I would drive out and pick it up.  And that is exactaly what I did, threw the dog in the car and off I went,picked up the Octopus and drove home, well almost, I had to peek at it while stopped in traffic, and yes you know where I am going, out comes a tentacle and into my mouth.  I even shared a small bit of it with the dog.
 
Chared Octopus

This is truly Octopus to go or is it on the go?

  
 For sure there are not enough good things I can tell you about this restaurant. Just go try  for yourself.  If you have never tried Greek food, this is the spot you want to start, and if you have eaten it, this is the place you will continue to return to  for the authenticity of the dishes.  I know this will become a return to spot for me and my friends.
 
bon-appetit_63
 
   

Greek Street Cafe Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Categories: American Food, Asian Fusion, Greek

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6 replies »

  3. Well Marian, bold is always good in my world especially when it involves food. The octopus at Greek Street is the best I have found in this area. Keep exploring and if you find something wonderful let me know.
    Thanks for reading my blog.
    Regards,
    Anna

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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