Although the newly opened dining hall Conservatory offers consumers the opportunity to sample multiple types of fare in one convenient space, one recent weekday evening, I wanted it to be all Greek to me. Thus, I put on my culinary blinders to the fragrant tonkotsu of Samurai Noodle, the fluffy crepes from Melange Creperie and the brisket tacos at El Burro & The Bull in favor of Myth Kafe.
Having previously spotted two appealing menu items available only after 5 p.m., I also made certain to arrive after that time — about 7:15 p.m., to be exact. The first evening special, the saganaki, was “not available.” Oh well. No pan-fried kefalotiri cheese with toasted pita for me.
What about the arnadiko, lamb marinated with garlic and herbs served with rice? “We don’t have that either,” replied the server sheepishly (pun intended).
While having to settle on my second choices for appetizer and entrée (the mezze platter and gyro sandwich, respectively) was certainly not the end of the world, I was still peeved. If any additional explanation had been offered for the absence of the two evening specials, e.g., “We just ran out!” or “Obama instituted an embargo on the importation of kefalotiri yesterday,” Myth Kafe would have my pity. But specifically to advertise two dishes as available after 5 p.m. and then retract the offer? Poor form.
The mezze plate, a combination of hummus, tzatziki, olives, feta and pita, was just fine but nothing to write home about; however, the gyro sandwich gets high marks for the unctuous strips of beef and generous ladle of tzatziki.
The gyro itself warrants a return visit to Myth Kafe, but should I again visit after 5 p.m., I know I will not resist the temptation to inquire about the specials. And if for any reason both are still unavailable, well, the gods are not on my side.
This article appears in Jun 23-29, 2016.