And at least in my book, when a new restaurant opens, it takes them a while to figure out exactly what they're doing and to get their legs underneath them. Given that, I will readily go back to the BGC and try out some of their other fare. And on our first visit, a friend did join us, so at least I can add his thoughts on a chicken dish wish neither my nor I would ever order.
The Cafe itself is a great step up from the taqueria which it replaced. It is a small setting, but it's been cleaned up nicely and is a welcome place to eat a casual meal. Orders are taken at the counter and then staff bring you the food. The menu is pretty extensive with several starters, meat, fish and vegetarian salads and sandwiches, larger platters and plenty of desserts too. One thing missing is alcohol. And I forgot to ask if they're planning on selling it. So for right now you're pretty much stuck with juice or soda.
We started our lunch with the trio of dips - we did hummus, feisty fet
a and tzaziki - served of course with soft pitas. I think we all agreed this was a wonderful way to start the meal. And it was definitely a good sized appetizer for three people. We didn't know it at the time, but we could have easily skipped the app since the meals were so big. But no worries, we just brought home a couple doggie bags.We barely had time to finish our dips before our lunches arrived - was pretty slow that day. I was torn between the shrimp souvlaki pita and the falafel. Given that I'm huge chick pea (and garbonzo and ceci for that matter) fan, I opted for the latter. And this really is the crux of my mixed review. I did not love the falafel. I was told when I ordered it, the BGC prepares its falafel a little different than other places and I guess I'm just a traditionalist when it comes to falafel. I think partly it wasn't as crispy as like it and there were other spices added which altered the f
lavor a little too much for me. I wouldn't say I hated, but I don't think I'd order it again. It also lacked sufficient spiciness for me, even though I did add the feisty feta. I would have liked maybe some spiced peppers of some sort and probably more tzaziki as well. I would have sacraficed a bit of the falafel for some other add ons.My wife ordered the s
panakopita, which came with green beans and a salad. Again, this dish did not hit the mark either. While the spanakopita was good, it wasn't heated through. I think it could have used maybe 5 more minutes in the oven. So this is something that could easily be remedied. But I believe they need to rethink the string beans. These b
eans were cooked too long and were limp. They would have been better placed on a nursing home cafeteria menu. But this was mainly my wife's mistake for ordering them. I think I'd go for the rice or fries.And last but not least - the chicken. Our dining partner ordered the Greek roast chicken with olive oil and herbs and I will say he was very pleased with it. He said it was well cooked and juicy. As you can see, it was also accompanied with a salad. I feel confident he would order this dish again. And while he ordered the shrimp souvlaki sandwich to go for his wife, I neglected to get her opinion on it. But he also ordered several baklava to take home too and I did hear those were a big hit!
So, if I did a star-based rating - which I don't do - I'd give the BGC 3 stars. I think in time they will correct/eliminate their sub par dishes and be a solid addition to the hood. And lastly, the place is pretty cheap too. Our dishes ranged from about $6-$8 and the staff themselves were very friendly. I hope you can make it out.
On a side note - a new pupuseria opened a couple blocks south from the BGC on Georgia Ave called El Oasis. My first experience was pretty good. More later.
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