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Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine

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GB from Devizes
GB from Devizes
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
5
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Editor Pick

The Venus Greek-Cypriot Restaurant

  • October 19, 2006
  • Rated 5 of 5 by GB from Devizes from Devizes, United Kingdom
The Venus Greek-Cypriot Restaurant

An eagerly anticipated night out for us all was the chance to dine at this wonderful restaurant situated in the Greektown area of the city. After having spent a fair amount of time during Saturday exploring the Field Museum, and then spending a couple of hours walking in the Loop to see Macy’s and the wonderful Savvy Traveller bookshop, a relaxing evening was definitely required. Initially, Carole, Fleance, Iz, Al, Dianne and Dawn met outside at the prearranged time and just as we had been ushered to our table, we were joined by Arlene and Mark.

It was certainly a pleasure to meet Dawn, one of the Igo originals. We spent some time discussing our travel backgrounds and it was interesting to note that Greece was a place that was on her “hit” list. We therefore spent some time talking about some of the Greek islands I had been fortunate enough to visit over the years including Crete, Kos and Rhodes, and the respective delights of those sun-drenched destinations.

One or two of the assembled guests had not eaten Greek before, so a selection of appetizers was ordered including stuffed vine leaves, taramosalata and utterly delicious lightly fried squid. A dry house red was chosen from the list to complement the food. The appetizers were soon all gone and everyone pronounced them to be superb. More wine was ordered and arrived swiftly at the table. Now for the main course…

Although one of the simpler dishes on the menu, chicken souvlaki has always been a favourite of mine. Here, it was served as it should be; no chips, no rice, and no piles of overcooked vegetables, just several large pieces of charcoal-grilled chicken on a skewer with pieces of onions, peppers, and sauté potatoes. It was truly excellent and along with my fellow diners, most of the main course disappeared within 30 minutes, washed down with even more wine.

The ambience of this restaurant was wonderful with lively conversation, traditional background music and polite and attentive waiting staff. At least twice during the meal, the head-waiter came to the table to ask if everything was alright, which of course it was.

After an hour and a half, most folk had declared that they were replete and the dessert menu was politely declined. My share of the bill including the tip came to $40 (£22) which, when you consider the quality of the food, the size of the portions, the atmosphere, and the serious amount of wine that had been consumed, I thought to be great value.

It had been a truly wonderful dining experience and with the opportunity to engage several of the guides in conversation about all things travel related, it was a great evening out.

The Venus Greek-Cypriot Restaurant is to be found at 820 Jackson Boulevard. Tel. (312) 714-1001. To get there take the Blue Line train west from the Loop and alight at the UIC-Halsted stop, then walk about three blocks.

From journal A Brit hits the Windy City - the 2006 Igougo get-together

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