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Evanston Lunch Group-Wed. July 11, 12:30 Psistaria

Evanston Lunch Group-Wed. July 11, 12:30 Psistaria
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  • Evanston Lunch Group-Wed. July 11, 12:30 Psistaria

    Post #1 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:28 am
    Post #1 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:28 am Post #1 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:28 am
    Recently Psistaria has received a bundle of LTH love under their new management, and the ELG has set a lunch on Wednesday, July 11th, 12:30 p.m.

    Like many I have driven by Psistaria many times over the years, and I admit that the name triggered images of the avian (parrot) disease Psittacosis. Quite unfair, I know. And I had wondered about the restaurant. Now it has, apparently, become a leading Greek restaurant in the Northern suburbs (just barely in the suburbs, but Lincolnwood counts).

    So if you ever wondered about Psistaria and wanted to share dishes now is the time. Even if you have never dined with the ELG, this might be the time, so close to Chicago.

    Current attendance plans:

    Cathy2
    Dave148
    EvA
    GAF
    irisarbor
    lougord99
    nr706
    tarte tatin
    Cabbagehead

    Psistaria Greek Restaurant
    4711 West Touhy Avenue (just east of I-94, parking available)
    Lincolnwood, IL 60646
    847-676-9400
    Last edited by GAF on July 9th, 2012, 8:10 am, edited 2 times in total.
    Toast, as every breakfaster knows, isn't really about the quality of the bread or how it's sliced or even the toaster. For man cannot live by toast alone. It's all about the butter. -- Adam Gopnik
  • Post #2 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:37 am
    Post #2 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:37 am Post #2 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:37 am
    Sooo close to me-
    I think I will sneak out for lunch on this one
    count me in, please!
    "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."
    ~James Michener
  • Post #3 - June 22nd, 2012, 1:34 pm
    Post #3 - June 22nd, 2012, 1:34 pm Post #3 - June 22nd, 2012, 1:34 pm
    I'm in. I can be green and actually walk to lunch - assuming I've driven to my office. :D

    Which reminds me - I need to get the LTH North Lunch Group in gear.
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #4 - June 22nd, 2012, 2:26 pm
    Post #4 - June 22nd, 2012, 2:26 pm Post #4 - June 22nd, 2012, 2:26 pm
    If the LTH North Lunch group wishes to join us, we will welcome y'all.
    Toast, as every breakfaster knows, isn't really about the quality of the bread or how it's sliced or even the toaster. For man cannot live by toast alone. It's all about the butter. -- Adam Gopnik
  • Post #5 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:55 pm
    Post #5 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:55 pm Post #5 - June 22nd, 2012, 9:55 pm
    I'll be there, if my teeth hold up.
  • Post #6 - June 23rd, 2012, 2:52 pm
    Post #6 - June 23rd, 2012, 2:52 pm Post #6 - June 23rd, 2012, 2:52 pm
    I will do my best to make it!
    "Life is a combination of magic and pasta." -- Federico Fellini

    "You're not going to like it in Chicago. The wind comes howling in from the lake. And there's practically no opera season at all--and the Lord only knows whether they've ever heard of lobster Newburg." --Charles Foster Kane, Citizen Kane.
  • Post #7 - June 24th, 2012, 3:52 pm
    Post #7 - June 24th, 2012, 3:52 pm Post #7 - June 24th, 2012, 3:52 pm
    I am looking forward to joining you.
  • Post #8 - June 27th, 2012, 5:25 pm
    Post #8 - June 27th, 2012, 5:25 pm Post #8 - June 27th, 2012, 5:25 pm
    Can those of us from Highland Park join you, even if we do not know the secret handshake?
  • Post #9 - June 27th, 2012, 7:12 pm
    Post #9 - June 27th, 2012, 7:12 pm Post #9 - June 27th, 2012, 7:12 pm
    lougord99 wrote:Can those of us from Highland Park join you, even if we do not know the secret handshake?

    Absolutely!
  • Post #10 - June 27th, 2012, 7:13 pm
    Post #10 - June 27th, 2012, 7:13 pm Post #10 - June 27th, 2012, 7:13 pm
    lougord99 wrote:Can those of us from Highland Park join you, even if we do not know the secret handshake?

    They managed to let me in. They even gave me a membership card!
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #11 - June 28th, 2012, 7:58 am
    Post #11 - June 28th, 2012, 7:58 am Post #11 - June 28th, 2012, 7:58 am
    Hi,

    What I remember most about this restaurant? Monica Eng once ordered their garlicky dandelion greens. When she came to pick up her order they finally began to make it. It wasn't sloppy service, they wanted her to have those greens at their peak. This always impressed me.

    I am 90% certain I will attend, that pesky 10% may be a last minute issue. I am a card carrying member, which means you ask Tom for a card (if he still has any).

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast
  • Post #12 - June 28th, 2012, 7:25 pm
    Post #12 - June 28th, 2012, 7:25 pm Post #12 - June 28th, 2012, 7:25 pm
    Then I will be there.
  • Post #13 - July 9th, 2012, 7:13 am
    Post #13 - July 9th, 2012, 7:13 am Post #13 - July 9th, 2012, 7:13 am
    I'll be coming this time as well.
  • Post #14 - July 11th, 2012, 4:42 pm
    Post #14 - July 11th, 2012, 4:42 pm Post #14 - July 11th, 2012, 4:42 pm
    Other than not feeling a whole lot of love for the dandelion greens - great food and company this afternoon. I even scored a bonus doggie bag! Thanks for organizing this.
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #15 - July 11th, 2012, 5:30 pm
    Post #15 - July 11th, 2012, 5:30 pm Post #15 - July 11th, 2012, 5:30 pm
    I was really impressed with Psistaria. While I would not place it in the same category as Avli, which attempts a more subtle, developed Greek cuisine, Psistaria can hold its own with most Greek restaurants. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful striped bass, the broiled and the baked lamb (both with excellent spice), and the grilled octopus. There were a few disappointments (the dandelion greens lacked kick, the orzo was mushy), but on the whole Psistaria was impressive.
    Toast, as every breakfaster knows, isn't really about the quality of the bread or how it's sliced or even the toaster. For man cannot live by toast alone. It's all about the butter. -- Adam Gopnik
  • Post #16 - July 11th, 2012, 5:44 pm
    Post #16 - July 11th, 2012, 5:44 pm Post #16 - July 11th, 2012, 5:44 pm
    GAF wrote:I was really impressed with Psistaria. While I would not place it in the same category as Avli, which attempts a more subtle, developed Greek cuisine, Psistaria can hold its own with most Greek restaurants. I particularly enjoyed the wonderful striped bass, the broiled and the baked lamb (both with excellent spice), and the grilled octopus. There were a few disappointments (the dandelion greens lacked kick, the orzo was mushy), but on the whole Psistaria was impressive.

    I pretty much agree with GAF. Psistaria can definitely hold its own with the Greektown stalwarts, but I too think Avli is doing something different. In addition to what GAF mentioned, I thought the sweetbreads and taramosalata were excellent. I found the avgolemono soup a bit salty but was able to perk up the dandelions with some lemon juice. I am pleased to have a solid Greek restaurant fairly close to home.
  • Post #17 - July 11th, 2012, 9:00 pm
    Post #17 - July 11th, 2012, 9:00 pm Post #17 - July 11th, 2012, 9:00 pm
    HI,

    The dandelion greens Monica Eng enjoyed were sauteed with garlic, or at least that's what I recall. Boiled greens on a plate received today were a bit lonely. When I mixed it with the grilled fish's oil, it was terrific.

    The grilled octopus's (balsamic?) vinegar and oil was also very sop worthy. A lot of the juices on the various plates were sop worthy.

    I also liked its location immediately off the expressway.

    Terrific lunch and lots of interesting conversation, which is an excellent combination.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways, Road Food 2012: Podcast
  • Post #18 - July 12th, 2012, 7:15 am
    Post #18 - July 12th, 2012, 7:15 am Post #18 - July 12th, 2012, 7:15 am
    I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the convivial company, and thought most everything I tried was very very good.
    Both lamb plates were excellent, as was the grilled octopus and the sauteed sweetbreads.
    I could have eaten the whole plate of octopus! LOL
    My only real regret was having to eat and run back to the cubicle farm ....
    Would have been nice to visit longer....
    "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."
    ~James Michener
  • Post #19 - July 13th, 2012, 2:48 pm
    Post #19 - July 13th, 2012, 2:48 pm Post #19 - July 13th, 2012, 2:48 pm
    Photos are posted in the main Psistaria thread.

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