Sabrina Suite

"Remember the film about the curvy, single brunette with the large overbearing Greek family that was certain all problems could be resolved through food and Windex? Bet you didn't know it was almost entirely based on my own personal E! True Hollywood Story. OK, well, maybe not exactly. However, I can empathize with the woman's predicament, and I'm not just talking about the Bridget Jones-like singleton status.

"I, too, hail from a genealogical line replete with family gatherings, holidays and social events that operate under the pretext of stuffing our faces. Sure, we're marking milestones, celebrating life. But I know we're really there for Aunt Jackie's rendition of Mrs. Field's cookies, the infamous green Jell-O salad and cheesy scalloped potatoes with Corn Flake topping. OK, maybe not so much the Jell-O, but definitely the scalloped surprise ("Funeral Potatoes" to those versed in Utah culture). So it makes sense that Salt Lake would have a robust assortment of Greek dining establishments. Simply put, in Utah we too like to eat.

"And while I may not be from Athens, you are definitely free to consider me the Goddess of Love and Beauty (at least as far as your stomach is concerned). Any further than that, we're both going to need references. But until then, I'd like to introduce you to a few of my Greek friends.

"Local Favorite—Kid Friendly

Though you can definitely find swankier restaurants that serve up spanakopita, my personal favorite for Grecian eats is Yanni's Greek Express about 10 minutes southeast of downtown. Housed in a somewhat obscure location, at 2761 Highland Drive, Yanni's is easily recognized. It's as white as any building poised on the Aegean. City Weekly, my Bible for food and frolicking in SLC, gave this joint back-to-back "Best Gyro" Honors in 1997 and 1998, then again in 2001 and 2002. The dish is beef or lamb on a fresh, soft pita topped with tomato, onion and a dollop of creamy yogurt-cucumber sauce.

"Oh and just a little FYI for first-timers, it's probably best to steer clear of calling it a "guy-row". Opt for the less offensive "yee-row". Or just forget about being lost in translation and ask for the chicken kabob with Greek salad and lemon rice.The dinner comes with fries instead, if that's your pleasure. My parents have been trying to recreate the salad dressing at Yanni's for what seems like 10 years. If you crack the code, send it to me. Not since Colonel Sanders has a "secret recipe" been so sought after.

"Citysearch.com reviewer Robyn Galbos hails the stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes) and the spinach pie (spanakopita) at Yanni's. But sorry friend, you're going to need to consult outside sources for those pronunciations. I say, you're always safe with souvlaki.

"Shopping for Success

With market items like feta cheese, olive oil, phyllo dough and Greek Coffees, the Greek Market & Deli, at 3205 South State Street about five miles from downtown, is to Grecian goods what SLC's Tony Caputos and Granatos are to authentic Italian imports. (While both Italian joints are worthy of pontification, any further discussion regarding the delectable eateries would be like ordering a margarita instead of wine in France. It's just not the place. Think of "Ecclesiastes" and the subsequent lyrics of that 1965 Byrds hit Turn, Turn, Turn. Remember, "there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven." Greek today, Italian later.)

"For now, we pay tribute to the Limantzakis family, owners of the Greek Market & Deli. Not only are they great hosts; their food is outstanding. The deli is kick-back atmosphere to the umpteenth power, though certainly not at the cost of great food. Once again, I'm all for the lemon rice and chicken souvlaki, also available in pork. Additional specialties include gyro sandwiches and dolmathes. Weekdays the market and deli is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., but get there early on Saturdays because the doors close at 4 p.m. through the weekend. That means no baklava until Monday.