On this particular evening, Doris and I happened to be in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea visiting our good friends at Beach King located on East Commercial Blvd. As we were leaving, we asked for a good food recommendation and the immediate recommendation, without hesitation, was Keese’s, which is located a few stores over in the same plaza. Keese’s has been on our “let’s visit list” for a few months now. They are usually swamped and a definite local favorite. As I recall, Rick Tobin had also recommended that we visit Keese’s. So today was the day.
As we walked up to the restaurant, it was growing more apparent that the restaurant is beautifully decorated creating a mystical Greek vibe that envelopes the restaurant. The outside dining area is so inviting, yet cozy, and reminiscent of an Athenian kafenia. Once we entered, Karinna greeted us and invited us to take any table that we liked inside or out. We opted to eat inside and thereby chose to partake in the restaurant’s exotic ambiance. Once seated, Karinna presented us with the menus, offered us water, and gave us time to make our dinner selections. I ordered a Greek Beer, on tap, Mythos, that was an excellent accompaniment to our meal.
It was a bit cooler than usual and Doris decided to start the meal with a bowl of Avgolemono Soup to warm up a bit. This soup, which is a silky, rich, fragrant chicken soup, is prepared Greek-style, with lemon-egg sauce. She said that the soup was exactly what the Doctor ordered for a cool night. Doris ordered the Mediterranean Mix of Kefte and chicken Gyro, Lamb Gyro, two Falafel Balls, tzatziki, hummus, tahini, garlic & pita bread. This dish I can only describe this as a “Merry-Go-Round of Delicious Flavors”. For my entrée, I ordered the Grandma’s Favorite / Yiayia’s Yamista which consisted of 2 stuffed cabbage leaves with rice, ground beef, and lamb, stuffed pepper with rice, veggies, and lemon potatoes. This was another “Merry-Go-Round” of Sheer Deliciousness.
This was absolutely one of the most tasty Mediterranean-style meals that I’ve had in a long time. With all of the flavors and aromas, we could not pass up dessert. Doris ordered a Cappuccino and I ordered Karidopita (Greek Walnut Cake with Syrup) for us to share. The cake was fluffy and extra syrupy! A mouthwatering cake crowning jewel, scented with the aromas and blends of cinnamon and ground clove. We had a full sampling and believe me when I tell you that we will be back for more. If Mediterranean Cuisine is your desire, do yourself a solid favor, stop in, partake, and enjoy!
And please, don’t forget to tell them their SoFloDining friends sent you.
Tips & Notes:
· Plenty of parking in the area
· Visit Beach King a few doors down
· Making reservations is advised
· Save room for dessert.
Address: 228-A Commercial Blvd, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL 33308
Phone: 954-771-5732
