Our big fat Greek dinner
Reviewed by Shannon Rogers and Alex Hurliman
Cafe Glendi is the perfect spot for a late lunch. Located on
the upper level of the 5th Street Public Market, Cafe Glendi is
one of Eugene’s little treasures. The upper food court of the
5th Street Public Market provides a charming dining atmos
phere with an open courtyard as well as comfortable indoor
seating.
Cafe Glendi is a family run business that has been operat
ing for six years and provides traditional Greek food with a
unique homemade flavor. Our meal began with a plate of ap
petizers: warm flat bread pitas sliced into triangles and dipped
into thick garlic-spiced hummus, dolmades (stuffed grape
leaves) to be dipped in tzatziki (cucumber yogurt dill sauce),
and warm wedges of Spanakopeta (spinach pie). All of the ap
petizers were unique in flavor and provided hearty samplings
of traditional Greek cuisine. The Spanakopeta was our fa
vorite appetizer and was made with a warm, mild blend of
spinach and feta wrapped in a flaky phyllo dough shell.
After the appetizers came a large Greek salad. The vinai
grette dressing was pleasingly different from traditional vinai
grettes and offered a light citrus kick of flavor. The salad was
garnished with tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives and
skewers of tender lemon-peppered grilled lamb and chicken.
Next up was a Lamb-Beef Gyro wrap ($4.95). This menu
item proved to be the best deal that Cafe Glendi had to offer.
The wrap was served warm in a thick pita shell with thin
pieces of lamb meat combined with lettuce, tomato, onions,
and tzatziki sauce. Easily considered a craving satisfier for
gyro lovers, it came with the perfect combination of flavor
and mess.
The variety of flavors kept coming in platefuls. Shannon
and I next shared a wedge of Moussakka, a traditional Greek
dish made of roasted eggplant, lamb, and a tomato-based
sauce. This dish was the most surprisingly satisfying of our
meal. Moussakka could be considered a relative of lasagna
and is extremely fulfilling for all those willing to try.
As though our multiple course meal may have left some
thing to be desired, we were soon introduced to an entourage
of desserts. We sampled Baklava, a traditional Greek dessert
consisting of almond, walnut, and a caramel-like mixture
sandwiched between layers of flaky phyllo dough, a delight
fully delicate Hungarian tea cookie dusted with powdered
sugar, and finally a rich chocolate cake complete with a
whipped cream frosting. Needless to say, our appetites were
satisfied and all cravings of a non-traditional cuisine were
gratified.
Cafe Glendi is both an affordable and appetizing choice
when dining out in Eugene. The full flavors and eclectic mix
of Greek cuisine will surely not disappoint even the heartiest
of eaters. Next time you are in the mood for a culinary expe
rience unlike any other, head to Cafe Glendi in the 5th Street
Market (485-3391).
018584
Serving our patrons
for 20 years
Fine Italian & Northwest Cuisine
Live Jazz
Nightly
(no cover, Monday - Thursday)
Kitchen open ’til bar closes
jofeds.com
Lunch Tues-Thurs • 259 E. 5th Ave. • 343-8488 • Dinner 7 Nights
The Best Thai Cuisine1
★ BEST NEW RESTAURANT
★ BEST SOUTHEAST ASIAN
★ BEST TAKE OUT
Hi Lunch Specials • Lunch & Dinner. Dine In or Take Out
Huge Vegetarian Selections • Family Owned & Operated.
580 Adams St., Eugene (across from red apple) • 344-1706
MON-FRI Lunch: 11am-3pm, Dinner: 4:30-9pm • SAT-SUN 12-9pm
| For Delivery Call Pony Express 485-2090