Yes, I'm going to mention the flaming cheese ... But the beloved Greek Festival is pumping out lots of new dishes to celebrate its 40 year anniversary. I tried a few of them, as well as some returning favorites.
Check out more photos from the event here.Β
1. Saganaki flaming cheese
Location: In the "Greek Street" area in the front
The guys who make this stuff wear shirts that say "Saganaki: It's lit."
I have eaten most everything here and this is unequivocally the best. A team of "Saganaki boys" (as I like to call them) fry up slabs of grassy Kefalograviera, a sheep's milk cheese from northern Greece that holds its shape when it gets hot. Right at the end, they splash a fragrant Metaxa brandy in the pan, making for a crusty exterior and a fiery show. $6 Β Β
2. NEW! Pork Souvlaki
Location: In the "Greek Street" area in the front
The fluffy pita bread, by the way, is outstanding.Β
Right next to the saganaki booth you'll find a new tent with half a dozen people working different grills. This is the "street food" section. Later in the weekend they should have calamari and fried smelts β a tiny freshwater fish βΒ but right now it's all about the fragrant pork kebab. Make sure you get it done up with the tzatziki yogurt sauce, which balances out the spice. $9 Β Β
3. NEW! Pastitsio
Location: In the "Greek Dinner Service" section in the back
It must take some skill to layer macaronis into a delicate lasagna.Β
If you're willing to brave the 45-minute line in the back, you'll be rewarded with a hunk of pastitsio, a cheesy macaroni dish similar to lasagna. This was extremely well executed given the circumstances, with perfectly cooked noodles layered onto a gentle bechamel sauce. $12 for a plate Β
4. Sheep's milk feta cheese and pita bread
Location: The deli inside the Hellenic Community Center
This is some of the best feta cheese I've had in my life.Β
Before I leave, I usually like to hit up the deli inside for some of thatΒ Kefalograviera cheese they use for the flaming saganaki. (It's actually really easy to make at home, even without the brandy.) But this time the cashier told me to try her "Skopelos" Feta, which she buys from a wholesaler in Scottsdale. Gorgeous. I get teary when I have really great cheese, and this did it for me. Salty, pillowy with just a hint of grass. It puts your supermarket stuff to shame. Also, get the pita bread. They bring it in from Chicago! $7 for pita, $4 for feta
5. Baklava sundae
Location: Next to the pastries inside the Hellenic Community Center
I can't stress enough. This is a great idea.Β
Inside by the pastries you'll find a couple of ladies making Greek coffee from silver briki pots. Ask nicely and they'll give you a baklava sundae from the cooler. High-quality vanilla + sheets of crispy sweet baklava and caramelized nuts = sleepy time go home now. The end. $4
