The Crossings Restaurant in Pendleton, IN-- A Mediterranean Oasis

Pendleton actually has a number of good places to eat, but the only Greek one I know is The Crossings, 8424 S. State Road 67, which stands all by itself  at the corner of SR67 and SR9, an attractive little place that's easily accessible from both roads.  It was previously a simple little breakfast restaurannt (I forget the name) but has been very nicely renovated by the current owners with a kind of upscale looking interior. The menu has a nice combination of traditional American and Greek dishes, and the proprietor was a handsome gent who was very friendly, greeting me with very exotic-sounding accented English. The server, on the other hand, was courteous but not friendly, a beautiful young woman who would have been even moreso had she ever smiled.  That, too, kind of seems like a sterotypical Mediterranean thing which I'm probably basing solely on the two Mama Mia! and My Big Fat Greek Wedding movies.

It was lunch time and I had a Greek Salad that was freakin' HUGE!  It was also delicious, with fresh greens and all the traditional components.  I love how they pitted the Kalamata olives, which were so fresh and tasty, even more since I didn't have to eat my way aroung the pits.  I don't know if there are different quality Feta cheeses, but the stuff on my salad was the best, as was the dressing. It was sort of delicately excellent!  The coffee was good, too.

Despite my perceived lack of friendliness, the server provided excellent service. The price was excellent for this $$ guy as well-- even with the addition of gyro meat and a cup of coffee, my bill was only $14.95, tax included. My only regret about the place is that it's not closer to home, else I would be back there right away to try the rest of the menu.   Opa!

The Acropolis-- Unpretentious Old World Greek

The Acropolis, on Southport Road just west of Madison Avenue, is an unassuming mom & pop place, both inside and out.  The Greek-style columns on the front of the building (sorry, they taught me the difference between Doric and Ionic columns in junior high school but danged if I can remember which is which) are understated but nevertheless a nice touch.  The inside decor is simple cafe style but with nice tablecloths (my old buddy Jim the Scumbag Attorney said you have to tip at least 20% if the restaurant has tablecloths. It was his one gesture toward decency and good manners.) There is nothing understated about the food, though.  Everything I've ever had there is deeelicious, and an excellent value for the price, which is $$ on a $$$$ scale.  Every trip to a Greek restaurant should include Saganaki as an appetizer, a plate of 1/4 inch thick slices of white cheese (Casera, Gus said) into which rum (not ouzo) is poured and then lighted.  Mmmm... flaming cheese with toasted pita bread for dipping! Mmm.... Mmm.... Oh! Anyway, all the food is great there.  If you don't know anything about Greek food you can always just order a gyro: a mixture of roasted lamb meat and beef on pita bread with onions, feta cheese, and tzadziki, a kind of creamy cucumber sauce (I'm sure you can get some sort of American food for that one person in your party with OCD who REFUSES to eat anything they've never eaten before).  There is a full bar also, and The Little Woman and I both have a shot of ouzo, although I'm not a big fan of that licorice-flavored Greek liquor.  I've never compared the price-per-ounce, but I'm pretty sure you could buy the green Nyquil cheaper and enjoy the same taste. The Acropolis is open every day of the week, but if you go during August check to make sure, because Gus the owner and his family go back to Greece to research new recipes (or so they tell the IRS) for a couple of weeks.  O-pa!