Tucked away inside a traditional Philadelphia row house is Effie’s Greek Restaurant, the closest any Philadelphian can get to authentic Greek cuisine.
This Philadelphia classic, located on Antique Row, has been serving its own twist on classic Greek fare for 12 years, leaving some like Sarah Weaver, a three-year patron, coming back for more.
“This place is phenomenal,” Weaver said, “I bring all my friends from out of town because there is no other place I’d go to get good Greek food.”
Effie’s serves traditional Greek food in a cozy, at-ease atmosphere meant to make diners feel at home. Traditional Greek pottery, art and music accentuate this lovely Philadelphia staple. But if you think the mood lighting and the decorations have you sold, just wait until the owner, Effie Boukidis, walks over to introduce herself. She’s sure to answer any questions you may have about the food.
It takes a lot for a Greek restaurant to impress a fellow Greek (myself), and Effie’s did just that. The appetizers, cooked up in an open kitchen by Chefs Sean Schweich, Boukidis’ husband, and Adam Merlin feature a tender, grilled octopus with diced tomatoes ($9.50). Its crispy exterior complemented by a succulent interior make it a must-have for any seafood lover. Shrimp Reganto, served in a lemon-butter sauce over pasta, is yet another favorite among customers ($12.50).
And don’t forget to try some grilled slices of pita bread, found on every table, with the traditional Greek accompaniment of tzatziki, a cucumber-yogurt sauce.
For entrees, try the salmon on a bed of soft bean curd highlighted with crispy asparagus and bacon in a tomato-sherry vinaigrette. The crisp texture of the salmon complemented with the fatty bacon was excellent and second to none.
Seafood, however, is not the only item on the delicious menu. In any Greek restaurant, lamb must be served and served well. If you’re looking for something special and done right, try the Grilled Baby Lamb Chops ($19.50). They melt in your mouth.
And if a dish you crave is not on the menu, ask Chef Merlin to whip something up especially for you. When Merlin decided to experiment during our visit, he created a culinary success: lamb wrapped in bacon over a celery-root puree, accentuated with grilled slices of asparagus for balance. Although not on the menu, I’m sure it will be soon. I have never tasted a lamb so tender and prepared so well.
Diners will love the moussaka or Greek lasagna ($14). One of Effie’s most popular dishes, moussaka is served steaming hot with alternating layers of grilled eggplant and finely-chopped ground beef topped with a creamy bechamel sauce.
And if you’re up for dessert after all of that, spring for the traditional flaky baklava layered with honey and nuts with a small Greek coffee on the side. It’s a perfect way to end a perfect meal at Effie’s.
In My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Gus Portokalos says, “There are two kinds of people — Greeks, and everyone else who wish they was Greek.” Though that may be true, at Effie’s, any customer, Greek or not, will be treated as one of the family and will want to come back often to enjoy not only the excellent food but also the company.
Effie's 1127 Pine St. (215) 592-8333 Don’t Miss: Salmon with crispy asparagus and bacon Skip: Loitering post-meal Bottom Line: Greek done right
