It is always great to meet up with friends or a friend and catch up. It is even better to meet over dinner. Food and great conversation is always a perfect combination.
This friend of ours is a priest, born and raised in Toronto and grew up in the Danforth area which is also known as Greektown. He, by the way, has a Filipino background. He was currently assigned to Orangeville, a good one hour drive from Toronto. He was in town to visit his mom. He gave us a call and wanted to see my wife and myself.
My wife and I don't frequent the Danforth area so we asked Fr. Luis where he would like to meet and have dinner. Since he is technically is a native of that area, he suggested that we have dinner at Astoria an excellent Greek restaurant which he and his family frequented since he was a child.
Astoria Shish Kebab House (https://www.astoriashishkebobhouse.com/toronto/home-toronto) is conveniently located at 390 Danforth Ave., just at the corner of Chester and Danforth.
It was mid-September. The weather was still a bit warm. We met around 4 in the afternoon. Fr. Luis was already waiting for us inside the restaurant. We were then directed to our table. As we sat, we were given the menus, and were asked if we would like to have something while deciding on what we want to order. We all agreed to a glass of water.
Fr. Luis suggested that we start with the Saganaki. He said that it comes with a 'show'. Saganaki is any variety of dishes served in a small frying pan. In this case ours is an appetizer of fried cheese served in a small frying pan. We all agreed to the Saganaki.
For our dinner we ordered Greek salad (to share). What would be a Greek dinner without Greek Salad? Fr. Luis got Pork Souvlaki, his go-to order. My wife, Dolly, got Lamb Chops, also her go-to order. As for myself, I got the Moussaka and onion rings. I have heard of Moussaka but I have not tried it. So Astoria is the best place to try authentic Moussaka.
It took less than 5 minutes for the Saganaki to arrive. It did come with a 'show.' And it did not disappoint.
Before we finished our appetizer, our orders arrived filling the table. The plates are big and so are the portions which makes it great for sharing!
Let's start with the Greek Salad. Olives, feta cheese, fresh greens smothered in olive oil. How can we go wrong with that?
Lamb chops, my wife's favorite, with mashed potato and grilled vegetables on the side. Tender and cooked just right.
Moussaka. I have always thought of Moussaka as the Greek Lasagna. Well the presentation looks very similar but the Moussaka recipe is made with thick layers of eggplant, beef in tomato sauce, topped with béchamel sauce. While the Italian Lasagna is made with layers of pasta. This Moussaka can stand on its own. I didn't even think that it was layered with eggplant.
Finally the Pork Souvlaki. Souvlaki literally means fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. Most of the time, the small grilled pieces of meat and vegetable are eaten straight from the skewer while hot. These pieces of meat can either be pork of chicken which are the most common.
We enjoyed the food, and the company most of all. Time flew by so fast. And before we knew it we were being offered dessert. Fr. Luis suggested that we have dessert at another place. It was just a short walk he said. Dolly and I agreed.
Considering the large portions and great tasting food, the price is very reasonable. Astoria Shish Kebab House is definitely on our list. It should be on yours, too.