Friday food

Conventional wisdom says that suburbs are a culinary wasteland. Full of national chains and deep fryers. Fortunately, there are some changes to that; restaurateurs are realizing that people in the 'burbs would like to eat good food too. Like any other restaurant, though, it's an iffy proposition. Why else would a fine local cafe like MIX New American Diner have died out after just a year? They had a good location, decent parking, good food. The economy? Who knows?

So when there is a good suburban choice, those of us who live in that area should really try to support it. Especially when it's a sister location to a city stalwart, like Christos.

   

Located in a former Sidney's on Highway 7 in Minnetonka (just west of 494), Christos is another outpost of the Minneapolis/Eat Street and St. Paul Union Depot Christos. As you might guess from the name and the "Opah!" signs, it's a Greek restaurant, and a very tasty one at that.

I like their Greek salad. Nothing flashy, just basic and good.

 

I was tempted by many of their lunch items that I've had before. I wondered: should I order the Koupepia, grape leaves stuffed with ground beef and lamb, served with rice pilaf and lemon sauce? Or the Spanakopita, phyllo dough stuffed with spinach, feta, dill, and scallions? Maybe Vegetarian Mousaka, layers of vegetables sandwiched in eggplant slices and covered with bechamel sauce?

But then I saw the daily special.

 

Salmos Exohikos. Or, salmon with dill aioli wrapped in phyllo and baked, served with sauteed asparagus and greens in a lemon-dill vinaigrette.

It was the right choice. The portion was appropriately sized for lunch (how refreshing to not be served enough food for a week at one meal); the salmon was perfectly done, still moist, while the phyllo was baked to crispy perfection. The asparagus was crisp-tender, and the woody parts had been removed; the greens had a very light vinaigrette that was just right with the asparagus and salmon.

And I was pleased to see the restaurant busy at lunch on a weekday. That's right, suburbanites--keep Christos open!

Comments

[Sue]

Nick recommends their pizza, his choice for his birthday dinner two years in a row. They kept Sidneys' pizza oven and put their own Greek twist on the pizza.

[cursingmama]

We have some good locals that are managing to keep their business going - but I fear for the longevity of one - the food is great, but the atmosphere and pricing doesn't really jive with the suburban people they're trying to lure in the doors.

[Anne Florenzano]

Christos is one of our favorites, along with Gusto Cafe and Wine Bar, in Hopkins, and Al Vento in Mpls. Like you, I'm so sad that MIX closed. I heard that business dropped off acutely after the economic meltdown in October, and they just couldn't sustain it. Like most, we are eating out much less frequently, so when we do, we want to support the local independent restaurants to help them survive this economy. Thanks for giving them some promotion in your blog.

[Eileen]

That's my favorite lunch at Christo's - as you say, a perfect portion, esp. w/ the usually excellent soup of the day that comes with it!