Authentic flavors of The Balkans

[rating=5] A few weeks ago, we took a trip to Glenview to experience the various flavors of Europe at the fabulous Social Inn on Phingsten and Willow Roads. We mentioned that they had a sister restaurant in Des Plaines that featured the flavors of the Balkans, called Balkanika Restaurant, where they also did the meats for both locations. To start our Memorial Day Weekend, Al, Vickie, Jane, and I went to taste the full flavors of the Balkans. What a night!

We selected a few of their exotic martinis, an old fashioned (for me) and of course, wine for Alan ( the other one, not me). They pour a solid drink and all were flavorful with the exotic drinks for the ladies being sheer delights. Jane is not a drinker per se but finished her French martini easily.

For our appetizers, we selected the Beef Tongue ( in butter with an option for mozzarella cheese, which we took a pass on) this dish was amazing. Jane had never tried Tongue before and found herself enjoying the quality of the meat. We also had a few salads, the Katak (feta and yogurt mixed with garlic, and walnuts , served with roasted peppers), and a garden salad that easily was large enough for all 4 of us and some to take home. There are a great number of salads and appetizers and their portions are what one might call “family” meals.

The other two “starters” we enjoyed were the Zucchini Crockets (a thin crust over the zucchini that is far better than typical Greek style , that they also serve) and two huge stuffed peppers (roasted breaded peppers stuffed with feta cheese and egg served with a garlic dip ( to die for!). Again, their huge menu has a lot more items to select from which is why people come back over and over- in order to taste the entire menu of wonderful flavors!.

We skipped the wonderful seafood items in order to get to the grill and Balkan specialties. The mixed pork meats were all grilled to perfection and the Boliarski Sach ( marinated chicken with vegetables, light cream topped with melted mozzarella, served on a sizzling plate). This item can also be lamb or pork, but we selected the chicken as Vickie is not a pork eater. We also added some Potatoes Saute’ ( very flavorful and a nice crunch of garlic).

I must say our server Vanya was not only knowledgeable about the entire menu, but made sure that we changed out our plates as we switched courses. While we were not in need of a dessert, owner, Daniela advised us that her daughter prepares one of the five choices, the Garash Cake ( five delicate layers of delicious) so we opted to share one piece. I must say the calories were worth it!

This restaurant was filled with “family” ( that is how they treat their patrons) as we were leaving. We did stop by the store where meat can be purchased as well as some other specialty items from the Balkans. This is a wonderful place to dine with a great selection. They also do a brunch menu between  9:30 am- and 2 p.m.

THEY ARE CLOSED MONDAYS

Dining room hours-

Sunday thru Thursday  9:30 a.m.- Midnight

Fridays and Saturday    9:30 a.m.- 2 a.m.

The address is 1414 East Oakton in DesPlaines. They have their own parking lot and there is also street parking. They have private party rooms as well as a beautiful outdoor area for those summer evenings. The staff is pleasant and as I said earlier, treat you like family. For reservations call 224-567-8267

their website www.balkanika-restaurant.com 

As I said earlier, the menu is vast with lots of items for which we will return.. Now that I have found this gem, I will be back for seconds ( and probably thirds, and I know a brunch!