Except for the fact that I have been extremely busy, I have no excuse for not having visited more of the local venues in the past several months. But last night, the ever-intensifying case of cabin fever – brought on by the incessant and obnoxious cold weather – was more than I could stand, and I turned to Lauren and said: “Let’s go out for dinner tonight.” Lauren quickly and wholeheartedly agreed and asked: “Our destination?” “Dimitri’s Mediterranean Grill in St. Charles” said I.
Ready For a Great Dinner
“Good things have been said about it and a visit is long overdue.” I also realized that this was one place that I had planned to review several months ago – before my unexpected sabbatical – and I have been looking forward to doing just that. I knew that the Chef-Owner was originally from one of my favorite places in Batavia (he had also worked with another favorite chef at one point) and I have always really liked and respected his style of cooking, so I was ready for a great dinner. On this occasion, I had brought a long-time friend and colleague with me and I was a bit nervous because of a pending business deal. I should not have been; the meal and evening were both wonderful!
It was a mid-week night and I expected that the place would not be terribly busy. It wasn’t and we were seated right away at a nice four-top. As I was seated, one of the first things that I noticed – in addition to the very clean condition of the place – was the blue cloth over white cloth table coverings. I always like linen on the tables and these were clean, fresh and colorful. There were also cloth napkins, nice silverware, an oil candle and glass salt and pepper shakers on the table. The waitress appeared, as did a bus person who brought ice water, and asked if we would like something from the bar.
Souvlaki, For Starters
My friend and I ordered Grey Goose on the rocks while Lauren this time selected a glass of House Chardonnay. The appetizer list was extensive and varied, and included about a half-dozen Mediterranean spreads that were served with pita. Complete with saganaki, steamed mussels, shrimp, gyros and souvlaki, it was difficult to make a choice. We all finally decided to try some of each kind of Souvlaki on a Stick (Pork or Chicken marinated in oregano and lemon oil w/Greek bread…… $2.50 each). A piece or two of mine was a tad chewy, but the flavors were excellent and we all agreed that the Souvlaki was a good choice for starters.
Dinner Choices
The dinner menu contains lamb, pork, veal, steak, seafood and pasta items – in Greek, Italian and American styles – and again the decision was a difficult one. However for me, dinner consisted of Moussaka (Baked with layers ground beef, potato and eggplant with a tomato béchamel sauce…….. $14.95) and Pastitsio for Lauren (Layers of hollow macaroni and Greek-style meat sauce, crowned with béchamel sauce…… $14.95). We had both sampled these dishes before while in Greektown on a visit to Chicago and were pleased to find that, by comparison, Dimitri’s matched up quite well. The spices here were a bit more subtle, but the flavors every bit as good. Bob ordered the Rotisserie Lamb (Greek Traditional Rotisserie Lamb, (Arni psito) domestic corn fed Lamb slowly roasted to perfection with your choice of potato or rice…$14.95).
If you like lamb – and Bob really does, as do I – it is a great choice, and on this occasion Bob proclaimed that “it was to die for.” I tasted it and concurred. Dinners were accompanied by a side salad of mixed greens for Bob and me and a Greek salad for Lauren. The salads were more than ample and were topped with lots of fresh and tasty Feta cheese.
Your Chance to Get the Good Stuff
For those who have not tried Greek food, this is your chance to get the good stuff – Authentic Greek & Mediterranean cuisine – cooked by a chef (born in Athens, Greece) who cares much about you and your dining experience. He is always there, making his way through the dining room and checking on the patrons and their meals. I was much impressed by Dimitri’s, and surprised that it was not busier – even though it was the middle of the week. The décor is very nice, the atmosphere relaxed and both the food and service were excellent.
All Good
My assessment of Dimitri’s is a solid Four Zins. The menu is varied and has plenty of choices beyond the Mediterranean offerings; they all sounded very good. The cocktails were of a decent size and price, the food was excellent and the prices were very reasonable. I recommend it highly and urge you to make a reservation for dinner… or lunch, or any other occasion. I am not sure if the place has “caught on” yet. If it hasn’t – it will! I know that I will definitely be back.
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Note: Unfortunately, Dimitri’s (as of late 2008) has now closed — a victim of the worsening economy… It has been replaced by another Greek venue: the Odyssey II. Sadly, the Odyssey II is also closed now.
