Calypso Greek Fusion Cuisine

01/07/2007 Posted by toneman

I am not someone who is good with words but let me tell you 'bout this place, Calypsos. "So there's a new greek restaurant on 27th Ave, want to go try it for dinner tonight?", That's what a friend of mine asked me Friday night. Me loving Greek food I said, "sure, why not!" Being the new guy on the block I expected the place to be lacking business, well I couldn't have been more wrong. If I am correct there were only two tables open to sit at when we arrived and people were still coming in after we say down. Busy, just what a new restaurant wants to be! We were promptly greeted by the owner of the restaurant and he was quik to seet us and get us our beverages. I was hoping for a glass of wine but, they do not serve alcohol yet, wasn't too disappointed, just wanted some good food. The server, (gosh I can't remember her name, I think it starts with an "A"), was very attentive and did a spectacular job with the table side, "Flamming Cheese" Saganaki! We ordered Hummus, Falafel and Chicken Slovoki, (Kabobs) with Green Beans and Artichokes. The food, taste and presentation, was fabulous. The Falafel was the best I've had since I was visited my friends restaurant in Chicago, and my friend truely enjoyed the lemon in the artichokes. I loved the presentation of the plates as they came, the lemon zest made my day on the artichokes! I was very pleased with the artwork, by local artists, that's nice to see. The atmosphere was relaxed and romantic so much so that I could bring a date here. I have to say, I will be going back to try something new. If everything is as tasty as the dishes we had, I have a feeling I may have a new favorite Greek restaurant, Calypsos!! Good luck to them.

Pros: Food, Lighting, service

Cons: Parking

01/05/2007 Posted by cultdecacao

My son and I were going to go to Midoris right next door for sushi ...a place we covet- but thought on a whim we would try Calypso- the kid loves lamb. It was dead- but didn't take that as a bad sign. The server was a friendly young man (and pretty much is the best thing we experienced). The food was mediocre- although I loved the calamari- too bad it was sad to see it drowning in its cooking liquid. I had Garithes Santorini- sautéed shrimp finished in a herbed white wine sauce- it was ok...but had a ton of Lemon zest and needed salt. My son had a lamb dish he enjoyed- and he has pretty good taste- so I will give them that - but there was so much parsley garnish on and around the outside of the plate it looked like someone was cutting weeds on the line.. I realize that this is a new establishment- which is why I feel a modicum of professionalism makes or breaks a new restaurant. To give you a basis for my opinion-I work as a associate chef instructor at a Twin Cities culinary school and my experience is ethnic food, as well as my BA degree pursuit in Food Anthropology. I live for ethnic cuisine. Greek and Moroccan being 2 of my favorites. I was pretty resigned to having a o.k. food experience - thinking I might possibly dine again...until I had to listen to the cook shouting a conversation from the kitchen to friends having dessert at the counter. I would expect this at a place like the Hard Times- ( It doesn't happen there very often though.) But my 11 year old and I were paying 70$ with the tip for one App, and our 2 Dinners- and soda. ( NO ALCOHOL SERVED) and It honestly sucked , and didn't stop sucking until we left. The cost did not reflect the quality or the atmosphere- if your friends with the cook -go hang out there ,other wise your better off eating at Christos or getting your Hummus from the Seward CO-OP.

Pros: Calamari

Cons: see above