Phil B.
Yelp
You may not be aware that Kansas City has its very own Greek island, tucked away in Mission Farms at a place called Paros Estiatorio. Ok, so it may be missing the impressive coastline and ocean breezes, but I assure you it boast all the fascinating flavors and rich cultural dishes you would experience if you traveled to Greece yourself.
Full disclosure, traveling to Greece can be expensive, so don't expect a cheap date night. However, the quality, taste, and portions are on par with what you would expect from a fine dining establishment.
Because you can't really visit Greece without experiencing the flaming cheese or "Saganaki," we started our evening there. Served with warm, soft, grilled pita slices, the cheese was a melted, flavorful, spreading of goodness that will have you feeling like you've been invited to eat with the Gods. Normally, when we get an appetizer, my wife will insist I eat the last piece, but there was no shame in her game on this night as I watched with deep sadness while she devoured the last of this traditional treat.
Next, we split the Karpouzi salad, with watermelon, arugula, feta cheese and walnuts drizzled with honey and mint. I know they say everything taste better with feta, but this salad was so amazingly refreshing it was mind blowing. If cool summer days could be prepared and put on a plate it would taste like this!
Already more than satisfied with our local trip to Greece, I could have ended the night there and been completely happy, but there was still more to come. Keeping things simple for my entree, I opted for the Lobster Pasta, billed as fresh Maine lobster with cherry tomato fennel sauce, over spaghetti. Apparently, Athenian style means a whole lobster! After the initial shock and amazement of what was presented in front of me, I dove in to enjoy more of the deliciousness these Greek Gods had to offer.
Exploring more godly gifts, my wife ordered the Agiorgitiko, a braised lamb shank with feta mashed potatoes and carrots. She made noises that should be reserved for the bedroom as she savored every "fall-off-the-bone tender" bite, but assured me her love for me is still strong.
Extremely full, and slightly worried about how dessert might have seduced my wife, we called it a night and left this little, Greek, Leawood paradise. But don't worry, we'll be taking another trip back real soon. I can't express enough how much you should visit too. "Antio sas" for now.