Acropolis Mediterranean Grill – Keeps You Eating

  • Thursday, July 3, 2014
  • Willie Mae

It had been a while since my friend Lou had been to the Acropolis on Hamilton Place Blvd. and he talked me into going with him. I think I have been there before, but I get it mixed up with another place.

We were seated efficiently and, after giving our drink order, I got to watch some pretty birds outside of the window which my side of the booth was facing. There was a lovely birdhouse on a tree for them (it was a good distraction from Lou’s incessant talking).

Our waitress Mary was a cute blonde with a braid. She said she was fairly new, but we thought she was very professional.  Lou likes pretty girls and he struck up a conversation with her telling her that he had the best Greek salad when they were in East Ridge. The young girl had no clue what he was talking about and she said she would send over the owner, Betty.

Now, I have told Lou when I am spying on a restaurant for one of my stories, he is supposed to lay low and not do anything to give me away (but I guess if they happen to read my story and remember me it wouldn’t matter because all of us old ladies look alike).  I told the girl that wasn’t necessary and that Betty was probably busy and we gave her our orders.

Lou chose the Fried Fisherman’s platter that had North Atlantic cod, butterflied shrimp, crab cakes, bay scallops and French fries and slaw – all of that for just $13! I decided on the Greek Lemon-chicken dinner for $10. Just thinking of the flavors of lemon-chicken with artichoke, capers and mushrooms made my mouth water. I also got a side salad and chose the Southern Pecan with gorgonzola cheese.

Sure enough, Betty came over to speak to us and Lou started up his motor again. He asked her if they once had a place in East Ridge and, when she said yes, he went on about ‘the best Greek salad he ever had’ but that wasn’t enough for ol’ Lou; he also told her that last time he had one it wasn’t as good as it used to be! I didn’t say a word, I just minded my own business.

Betty said that her husband, who passed away a couple of years ago, used to make them and he just had a special touch with his hands when preparing the food. She said everyone followed the same directions but it was never the same as when he would make it. She was so pleasant and kind.

When Mary brought out complimentary bread and my salad, it looked so scrumptious that Lou had to remind me to take the pictures before I dug in. There were two kinds of fresh bread – pumpernickel and sourdough with cinnamon butter. I don’t like my butter sweetened, but Lou loved it and asked for more. The bread was warm and delicious, but my salad was so good I could have just made a meal on that alone.  The gorgonzola with the pecans and balsamic dressing on fresh greens were delectable.

One of the servers passed our table with a dish that was sizzling and it smelled so good it must have been ‘Pavlov’s law’ that made me salivate. I think you could be full as a tick, but still want to eat when you smell the delicious food.

Our meals arrived and, as good as it looked, I wanted to save room for the coconut cream pie I saw. I am used to pasta being served with a spoon for twirling, but I didn’t have one so I twirled spoonless.  I tried not to eat too much, but it was the best lemon-chicken I have tasted and I was ‘whee-ee-doggin’! Lou enjoyed his platter and said the scallops were especially good.

He had a tummy full of bread and his platter pickins and he didn’t want dessert. I was full, but blamed the ‘purpose of my hobby’ on getting a dessert.

The coconut pie was not a Southern-style coconut pie, but it was good and they sell them whole too. It was not one of those airy store-bought pies with just a lot of cool whip fluff - it was loaded with flavor (and calories).

The folks, the warm atmosphere and the delicious food made the Acropolis one of my favorite places. The food is so good no matter if you are no longer hungry – you will want to keep eating.

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday

11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday

11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

 

 

Dining
Kitchen Incubator Of Chattanooga's First KIC Nights Postponed To March 22
Kitchen Incubator Of Chattanooga's First KIC Nights Postponed To March 22
  • 3/13/2024

Food Truck Fridays has established itself as the place to grab lunch on the first Friday of each month. Now, the Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga announces that KIC Nights, an evening of food ... more

Cloudland At McLemore Resort Announces Dustin Willett As Executive Chef
Cloudland At McLemore Resort Announces Dustin Willett As Executive Chef
  • 3/12/2024

Cloudland at McLemore Resort – the marquee Curio Collection by Hilton resort perched atop Lookout Mountain – introduces Daniel Willett as its new executive chef. Mr. Willett oversees Cloudland’s ... more

The Creag At McLemore Has Special St. Patrick's Offerings
  • 3/12/2024

Guests visiting McLemore on on Lookout Mountain on St. Patrick’s Day won’t need the ‘luck of the Irish’ to enjoy a great meal at The Creag, but they will need a reservation. With the addition ... more