Ever heard of a “Greco menu?” It’s where traditional Greek cooking meets other culinary traditions. Think Greek ingredients and dishes with a New Mexican twist, or maybe a California sensibility. It’s all about taking classic Greek flavors and giving them a fresh, local spin. These types of menus are becoming increasingly popular as restaurants cater to a wider range of tastes and dietary needs.
This article dives into the world of Greco menus. We’ll break down what makes them unique, explore the types of dishes you can expect to find (from familiar favorites to innovative fusions), and even look at things like catering options, service styles, and what you can expect to pay.
Classic Greek Dishes on a Greco Menu
A Greek-inspired menu is sure to feature some of the most delicious and iconic foods of the Mediterranean. Here are some dishes you’re likely to see on a Greco menu.
Salads
Greek salads are all about fresh, high-quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, pungent onions, salty feta cheese, and briny olives, all tossed with a simple dressing of olive oil and vinegar.
Variations like the classic Village Salad (Horiatiki) and other regional specialties are sure to be a treat.
Greek salads are a great option for vegetarians, although it’s worth noting that many contain dairy and olives, which some people avoid. The restaurant may offer modifications for dairy-free or vegan diets, such as omitting the feta cheese or substituting a plant-based alternative.
Gyros and Pitas
Gyros are typically made with lamb, beef, chicken, or pork, cooked on a vertical rotisserie until browned and crispy. The thinly sliced meat is then wrapped in a soft pita bread along with various toppings and sauces.
Pita bread is a staple of Greek cuisine, and you’ll find it served with a variety of fillings. Vegetarian options like falafel and grilled vegetables are also available.
The Hercules Pita, with lamb, chicken, and fries, is a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a popular Greek fast food that consists of small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer. It’s similar to shish kebab.
You may find souvlaki made with pork, beef, shrimp, swordfish, or even octopus. Vegetarian alternatives, such as grilled vegetables or halloumi cheese, are also delicious.
Regional Influences and Fusion Dishes
Greek cuisine is delicious on its own, but in some parts of the U.S., chefs are having fun experimenting with fusion dishes that incorporate other regional flavors.
New Mexican Influence
Take Caffe Greco, for example. This restaurant is a great example of how New Mexican ingredients, like green chile, can be woven into traditional Greek dishes to create something new and exciting.
On the menu, you might see fusion dishes like a Green Chile Cheeseburger, Frito Pie, Chicken or Beef Enchiladas, or Green Chile Stew.
These dishes offer a culinary mashup that combines the best of both worlds.
Other Possible Regional Influences
It’s easy to imagine other regional cuisines influencing Greek menus. For example, you might see Italian influences in the form of pasta dishes with Greek-inspired sauces.
Or perhaps chefs will start incorporating flavors from North Africa or the Middle East to create a Mediterranean fusion.
The Appeal of Fusion Cuisine
Fusion cuisine is gaining popularity because it offers a unique and exciting dining experience for adventurous eaters.
It also allows restaurants to broaden their appeal and cater to a wider range of tastes and preferences.
Menu Sections: Appetizers, Entrees, and Desserts
Like any good restaurant, Greko’s menu is divided into appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Here’s a little more about each section:
Appetizers (Meze)
Greek cuisine is known for its shareable appetizers, also known as meze. These include favorites like hummus (a creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and olive oil), tzatziki (a refreshing yogurt-based dip with cucumber, garlic, and dill), spanakopita (savory spinach pie made with flaky phyllo dough), and saganaki (fried cheese, often flambéed tableside).
The Greko Dip Sampler is a perfect example of a shareable appetizer platter, offering a taste of several different dips and spreads.
Entrees
For main courses, Greko offers a range of classic Greek dishes. These include moussaka (a baked casserole with layers of eggplant, potatoes, ground meat, and béchamel sauce), tender lamb shank, and of course, gyros (thinly sliced meat served in a pita with toppings).
Some restaurants even use live-fire grilling techniques, which can impart a smoky and delicious flavor to the meat.
Desserts
No Greek meal is complete without dessert! Traditional Greek desserts include baklava (a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup), galaktoboureko (a custard pie made with semolina custard and phyllo dough), and loukoumades (honey-drenched fried dough balls).
You might also find other desserts on the menu, such as apple, cherry, or blueberry pie, for those who prefer something a little more familiar.
Beverages and Drinks
No meal is complete without a refreshing drink. At Greco, you’ll find a full complement of beverages, from coffee drinks to cocktails to sodas and juices.
Coffee
Coffee is a big deal in Greek culture, so it’s no surprise you’ll find it on the menu at Greco. Whether you’re a fan of the frothy, ice-cold Frappe or prefer a more traditional hot coffee drink, you’ll find something to love here. Greco offers:
- Café Americano
- Café Mocha
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Latte
- Chai
- Dirty Chai
Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re in the mood for something a little stronger, Greco has a great selection of Greek wines, beers, and spirits. Ask about some of their specialty cocktails, which are often inspired by classic Greek flavors.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re not drinking alcohol, you can still enjoy a refreshing beverage at Greco. They offer a range of Coke products, sparkling water, iced tea, and lemonade. You can also try a Greek soda or juice for something a little different.
Catering and Service Options
Need to feed a crowd? Greco is happy to cater your next event! We offer a range of options for large orders, parties, and corporate events. For a truly hands-off experience, ask about our full-service catering. Service fees will be quoted based on the specifics of your event.
Popular catering choices include our build-your-own pita bars, rice bowl bars brimming with fresh ingredients, and perfectly grilled souvlaki skewers. We can customize a menu to fit your needs and budget.
Please note that catering service costs, delivery options, and service fees will vary. Contact us to discuss the details and get a personalized quote!
Final Thoughts
A Greco menu offers a delicious mix of traditional Greek food alongside modern dishes that incorporate regional and international flavors. You’ll likely find familiar favorites alongside creative new combinations.
The beauty of a Greco menu is that it can appeal to just about anyone. Whether you’re a picky eater or someone who loves to try new things, you’ll find something to enjoy. Greco menus can also be customized to fit many different dietary needs and special events.
Greek food continues to evolve, but the popularity of Greco menus is a testament to the fact that a modern twist on classic flavors can be a real crowd-pleaser.