***** Many of us grew up knowing that the only “real” Greek food is in the area of Chicago known as “Greektown” ( Halsted Street, between Van Buren and Jackson). As a youngster, that is where my folks would head when they had the taste for Greek cooking. Chicago was a great city for ethnic neighborhoods and one could always find what they wanted if they knew the streets of Chicago. This has changed, and many areas of the city have become more “multi-cultural” food-wise. We still have a “Greektown”, but not quite what it once was, and with our suburbs becoming better at bringing the right businesses to them, plus the way consumers hate to go into the “big city” at night, people ask themselves, “where do I get a great Greek meal”?
We found an answer! The Parea Greek Kitchen located at 25 West Davis Street in downtown Arlington Heights is a lot like being on Halsted and Jackson, except, no long drive, no parking problem and an experience that will bring you back, over and over! One of the beautiful parts of what Arlington Heights has created in its “downtown” area is that there are a great number of dining spots located right at the door of the Metropolis Performing Arts Center, as well as The Hey Nonny entertainment center. They also do outdoor music nights all summer, and during the summer months, they close off the streets so that people can dine al fresco, while listening to great music.
Parea is one of many dining spots that are part of this experience, and when it comes ot Greek food, WOW! Tonight it was Frank, Cary and just me, as Jane was taking care of our granddaughters, so we owe her one.The restaurant is on a corner with two dining areas plus a private party room. They serve all type sof liquors and wines and right now are doing some specials for Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week ( ends on the 8th). Even though they are Greek cuisine, they will not miss the other festive holidays such as the corned Beef & cabbage on the 17th for St. Patrick’s Day.
As we enjoyed our cocktails, our server, Arturo, went over the menu with us and helped us select what would make for a true sampling of the large menu offered. We had a Greek Salad ( of course, that would be the salad), Saganaki, and Calamari ( charbroiled) as starters. We followed that with the Parea Trio ( hummus, roasted beets and melszan osabta, served with pita.
The kabobs were Chicken and pork and we had some delicious grilled octopus, and we had a platter that included Dolmades Loukaniko Spetsofia (Greek Sausage) and some Greek potatoes, veggies and of course, Greek Chicken. Pastitsio and Gyros. The table next to ours had Moussaka ( Jane’s favorite Greek dish, so we passed on it for tonight in deference to her, knowing we will be back! We did do a sampling of their Flan (Krema Karamele) which was divine and the Baklava was better than those we had ever had before.
The menu is quite large with lots of items that we will return for. They also have a kids menu and for those who are not into ethnic dining, some options that allow your entire party to enjoy the experience.
The hours are:
Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. ( kitchen)
the bar hours are until 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.
There is street parking, as well as train station parking lot spaces ( easy access) and on week-ends valet parking is available.
The phone is 847-398-2400 website www.pareagreekkitchen.com
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