I permanently drove out to Los Angeles from Detroit over the course of the week leading up to Labor Day weekend 1997. I remember pulling into Los Angeles County on the 10 and listening (over the Uhaul AM radio with my 1991 Honda Accord on a trailor in the back) to the Steelers and Cowboys open up the 1997 season. Kordell "Korndog" Stewart led the Steelers to a major ass whooping (the Cowboys won at Three Rivers, 37-7, Korndog went 13-28 through the air for 104 yards).
Ever since that time, I have scoured all over town trying all sorts of restarants in every nook and cranny of the city. However, for some reason, over the past 10 years, I had never made it to potentially LA's best Greek restaurant, Papa Christos.
Last Saturday, my family was down at the Natural History Museum at USC and we needed some lunch. It seemed as good as time as any to try out the famous Papa Christos.
Papa Christos is a combination Greek market/deli/restaurant with both inside and "garden" seating. Customers line up to order at the counter (sometimes the line gets long) and get a number for tableside delivery. A team of waiters subsequently wisk out your goodies. The fare is classic Greek, but not on the high-end. The range is more Greek grill - gyros sandwiches, chicken and souvlaki kebabs, lamb chops, dolmas, served with greek salad and pitas. Papa C's also features greek wines and beers if you want to sample the mediterranean fare. Thursday is the big night, with real live belly dancers and wine tastings.
Los Angeles is certainly not the king of Greek food, not even close. But this is good stuff. I like lamb and I had the souvlaki kebabs over hot fresh pita bread. And don't forget the greek pastries for desert, they make their own baklava which is damn tasty. Beyond the food, PC's has the feel of an old time (it's been open since 1948) east coast ethnic deli dive. The people are authenticly nice, but with just enough crust. If I lived closer, I would be here every week.
Papa Christos
2771 W. Pico Blvd. (NE Corner of Pico and Normandie)
(323)-737-2970.
Reservations needed on Thursday, but not the rest of the week.
There is ample secure parking in the back off Normandie.
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