Meraki Greek Grill
Greek Rice
Greek Salad – Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Pepperoncini, Greek Vinaigrette
Gyro – Carved Beef/Lamb Mix
Chicken Gyro
Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onions (for Gyro Kit)
Keftedakia – Greek Style Grilled Meatballs, Ouzo, Herbs
Pastitsio – Penne Pasta, Tomatoes, Ground Beef, Bechamel, Cinnamon, Feta Cheese
Tzatziki – Authentic Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Garlic
Hummus – Garbanzo Beans, Tahini, Lemon
Pita
Falafel – Chickpea Fritters, Herbs
Galaktoboureko – Phyllo Dough, Citrus Semolina Custard
Ravani – Sweet Semolina Cake, Citrus Zest, Pistachio
Now a regular part of the lunch rotation, former Estiatorio Milos Chef Nikos Georgousis and Girair ‘Jerry’ Goumroian of Henderson’s The Great Greek all-but rescuing the plaza on Rainbow at Tropicana in early 2017, it was amidst COVID-19 precautions that catering was ordered on Tuesday, and difficult as it may seem to believe these guys just keep getting better.
Nothing less than an Off-Strip sensation since opening its doors, and pivoting nicely to off-site dining during the pandemic, it is with Phase Two that guests may opt for dine-in or to-go, Meraki’s servings always more than generous and prices so affordable that one sometimes wonders how the Restaurant is even making a profit.
Defined as “doing something with soul, creativity and love,” a spirit embodied by courteous employees taking all necessary precautions, it was at precisely 11:30am that Jerry and another employee arrived with several easy-stacking boxes containing temperature-control trays, this simple extra step guaranteeing Food is indistinguishable from that served inside the Restaurant.
Serving a diverse crowd on this occasion, but doing so with an impressive spread of Proteins, Produce and imported Ingredients, Hummus remains a highlight in terms of taste and texture while Keftedakia, or Greek-style Meatballs earned praise for bold flavors and a smooth grind with slight char accentuating the Herbs and Ouzo.
Asking for Feta and Dressing on the side of Meraki’s Greek Salad, both Olives and Yellow Peppers predictably devoured fast by staff, Greek Rice also received high praise for its fluffiness and flavor while the Gyro kit allowed ample customization of the Beef and Lamb Meat or Chicken with Tomatoes, Lettuce, Onion and tangy Tzatziki made with “authentic” Greek Yogurt.
Happy to find no shortage of Pita, soft and warm rounds gratuitously slathered with dueling Spreads, Vegetarians were further treated to crisp and oilless Falafel lightly perfumed by Onions, Herbs and Spices before indulging in daily-special Pastitsio featuring Penne Pasta, Tomatoes, Ground Beef and creamy Bechamel plus hints of Cinnamon.
Not forgetting Dessert, still-warm Galaktoboureko featuring Citrus Semolina Custard amidst Phyllo Dough still Las Vegas’ most splendid discovery of 2020, Ravani riffs on similar flavors in a more toothsome manner with Sugar-soaked Semolina Cake and crunchy Pistachios.
N/A: Making it blog policy to not ‘rate’ places based on catering alone, Meraki Greek Grill offers budget-friendly, fresh and well-crafted Fare with impeccable customer service, Girair and his team’s attention to detail making Meraki Las Vegas’ premier off-Strip spot for Mediterranean cuisine for the last three years.
RECOMMENDED: Hummus, Tzatziki, Gyro, Pastitsio, Keftedakia, Galaktoboureko, Ravani.
AVOID: N/A.
TIP: Open 11-9 Tuesday through Saturday and until 8pm on Sunday. Full menu for on-site dining, takeout and catering accurate per the website. Follow on Social Media @merakigreeklv for specials.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.merakigreekgrill.com
