CARROLL GARDENS — What better neighborhood for a Greek garden?
Avlee Greek Kitchen opened its doors last week on Smith Street and will be serving traditional food with “a little twist.”
So what’s the little twist? “It’s a secret,” said Peter Ragakos, general manager of Avlee, meaning "garden," at 349 Smith St.
Restaurant owner Andrew Poulos and Ragakos grew up in the community and would often volunteer for a Greek festival at their church, Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral on Schermerhorn Street.
“There’s a demand for the Greek palate here,” said Ragakos.
Several of the restaurants authentic recipes, like Pastitio – a traditional baked dish with Greek pasta - and Moussaka – a casserole of eggplant and spiced meat – were handed down from family and friends, said Ragakos.
“Our mother was a really great cook,” said Stelene Argyri, Ragakos’s sister, who said she makes the best avgolemono, a Greek soup with chicken, orzo, lemon, and egg.
Diners can also expect delicacies like Spanakopita, a savory spinach pie, and Sika, figs with feta and cured beef.
The restaurant also boasts a mini Greek market with jams, honey, grape leaves, tea, and pastas, most of them imported from Greece.
Avlee’s drinks are also imported from the Mediterranean country and the restaurant will be brewing their own Chamomile ice-tea, fresh every morning, flavored with pomegranate and honey.
Appetizers are priced at $4 to $8 and entrees are around $10 to $15.
For more information, visit www.avlee.co.
