1814 Western Ave., Guilderland
Food 4 C’s (out of 5)
Service 4 C’s
Overall family friendliness 3.5 C’s
Opa! The Family Chow decided to test out a bit of the Greek lifestyle with a trip to Athos Restaurant on Western Avenue in Albany. We had heard that Athos is often busy so Dad secured a reservation as we dressed in our best Mediterranean-inspired outfits and prepared for our culinary trip.
The hostess was attending to a phone call when we arrived, but within minutes, Sophia swept over to show us to our table while making us feel like old friends. We were treated to a large corner booth with comfy cushions and a great view of the rest of the dining room.
The relaxed but elegant decor was reminiscent of the white washed buildings and blue sea views of the many photos we have admired of Greek islands. Heavy silverware and white table linens suggested we were in for a slow food experience a welcome change of pace from some of our grab-n-go summer meals.
Athos is celebrating its fifth year in business by offering a few anniversary specials, including a $5 glass of Mythos beer, which Mom happily ordered. We also received a prix fixe menu that included entree, soup/salad and dessert for a reasonable $22.95. The regular menu included more than a dozen appetizers ($7-$14), classic Greek dishes like moussaka and pastichio, along with several fish options and items from the grill, including lamb and steak ($20-$36). Son was happy when our hostess handed us a children’s menu with pasta, chicken tenders, spanakopita, pita pizza and a burger ($8).
As we were considering our main course options, the appetizers arrived, followed a few minutes later by a basket of fresh pita. Although Mom was game for trying the grilled Calamari, we stuck to the more familiar fried preparation. The breading was deftly handled light, not greasy. Dad declared it the best calamari he’s ever had. We also enjoyed the three appetizer spreads and complimentary olive tapenade. The skordalia dip of potato, garlic and almonds was our favorite. Daughter also enjoyed the tirokafteri with its’ strong salty cheese flavor and little kick from spicy peppers. Dad and Mom appreciated the subtle smokiness of the eggplant in the melitsanosalata. Son took a pass on the dips, but enjoyed a few pieces of pita.
Alhough our waiter seemed partial to other tables, the support staff was very attentive and refilled our water glasses and pita basket often. Just as we were finishing the calamari, our entrees arrived. Mom and Daughter ordered from the prix fixe menu and were treated to Greek salads dressed to perfection with plentiful veggies and lovely rectangles of feta cheese. Son ordered the chicken tenders with a side of fries (extra $5) and though the portion was hefty, he finished his dish quickly and pronounced the tenders “excellent!” Daughter was not quite as lucky with her pork tis scharas, which she found to be “unevenly spiced” and somewhat tough. She did love the lemon potato that came on the side. Mom enjoyed the kota kai couscous more with each bite. The chicken was fork tender and the couscous, chunks of carrot, zucchini and peppers were flavorful and not over-cooked. Dad finished every last bite of his pastichio ($18) a delicious blend of ground beef in bechamel sauce layered between sheets of pasta.
Somehow, we saved enough room to enjoy several of Athos’ desserts. Mom and Daughter got to choose from three options on the prix fixe menu, and since Son mentioned his doughnut obsession to Sophia, we were treated to a complimentary plate of milk chocolate filled loukoumathes. While Son was pronouncing his love of the Greek doughnut, likening it to a chocolate chip pancake in “ball form,” the rest of us were enjoying the light chocolate mousse with a hint of amaretto and a delicious almond cake soaked in honey.
Overall, we loved our virtual trip to Greece by way of Athos. We felt like part of the family and enjoyed both the relaxed pace and dressed-up atmosphere. As a special occasion meal, Athos fits the bill perfectly though Mom and Dad would definitely consider enjoying their Taverna menu more frequently. We give Athos 4 C’s for service, 3.5 C’s for family friendliness and 4 C’s for food.
The Family Chow hails from the Capital District and will be contributing regular reviews of area restaurants based on service, food and family friendliness.