Greekfest
1940 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, 602-265-2990.
A trip to Greece not in your future? Head to Greekfest, in central Phoenix; it's the next best thing to hopping on a plane bound for Athens. Greekfest is decorated with black marble floors, a wood beam ceiling, thick, whitewashed stucco walls and Greek knickknacks. The air is filled with Greek tunes and perfumed with delicious aromas. Since Greece is about eating, Chef Michael encourages getting several small plates - of which there are many - to share and really experience the food. Try the lamb souvlaki (marinated lamb chunks, skewered and grilled) and the baked salmon that comes with a delicious vegetable sauce, feta cheese, kalamata olives and pine nuts. Good pita bread, too. For dessert, get the baklava or the custard-filled, phyllo-crust Greek pie. It'll be gone by the time you figure out how to say its name: galaktoboureka Chios. Owners Tony and Susan Makridis recently updated the kitchen. It's immaculate. "One of the cleanest kitchens I've been in," says Chef Michael. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; prices range from $4 to $13.