My Big Fat Greek Restaurant

On the spur of the moment, we decided to try out the newly opened My Big Fat Greek Restaurant on North Academy (where the Macaroni Grill was, by Whole Foods).  When we walked in, we noticed that not much remodeling had been done; however, the bar area is now a little more enclosed that it used to be. There still is an open kitchen, along with comfortable booths and tables.

It was lunch time and the place was full – probably more because it’s new than anything else. We did get a table right away and immediately were offered menus and water.  Our waiter, Andrew, was actually from Kansas City and is here training the new staff to the ways of My Big Fat Greek Restaurant. He was very attentive and claimed to be Greek to boot – so he immediately recommended a couple of appetizers and a red, blended wine. We got a bottle of wine and ordered some dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) for Mike and the “braised tomato meatball” for me.  I personally don’t care for dolmades, so I had to rely on Mike’s opinion. He said they were good, but nothing special. The “braised tomato meatball” was good – but it was in fact a braised meat ball with some tomato and feta. It would not rank among my favorite appetizers. As we enjoyed our wine, we noticed others tables around us also ordered appetizers – and all the portions were generous. One appetizer I wished we had ordered was the mezze (four spreads with pita bread) – which really looked good.  If we come here with friends, we’ll be sure to order that.  And, I should have taken the hint with the size of the appetizers – as the main courses were also very generous portions.

For our main lunches, Mike ordered the Aegean Club (gyro, chicken, bacon, tzatziki, and chipotle mayo) with Greek Fries (fries with lemon, feta and Parmesan cheese). It was huge. In fact, with appetizers, if there was a group of 4, you could order two appetizers and the Aegean Club and have enough food for all. Anyway, Mike really enjoyed his Club – and the bite I took of it – yes – it was very good.  It was just a bit spicy – just enough to really enjoy! And, the fries with the feta and Parmesan were great!

I ordered the Pastitsio – pasta, ground beef and béchamel sauce, with veggies and potatoes. Here was my disappointment – when I got my plate, the meal was barely warm. I asked Andrew to take it back and re-heat it. When he returned with my plate, the temp was slightly better, but still not as hot as I would expect. The pastitsio was okay – in my opinion – just okay. I would not order it again.

While we enjoyed our visit to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant – there were some kinks they need to work out. We noticed several servers walking about with food trying to find the right table to deliver it to – and I noticed one table had to ask for water twice.  But, I think it was just new restaurant mistakes – and they’ll figure it out shortly. 

We remarked that coincidently (if you believe in coincidences, which I don’t) first time we went to another Colorado Springs area Greek restaurant, Jake & Telly’s in Old Colorado City, it was not to long after they opened and they definitely had some kinks to work out that night. Since then - it’s become one of our favorite places! So, we’ll give My Big Fat Greek Restaurant a chance, too.

All in all – I’ll put My Big Fat Greek Restaurant on the Do Again list – but I’ll be sure to explore the menu a bit more on our next visit!