Meraki Greek Grill
Greek Salad – Romaine Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Pepperoncini, Greek Vinaigrette
Greek Rice
Fried Potatoes
Falafel – Chickpea Fritters, Lemon, Herbs
Gyro – Carved Beef/Lamb Mix
Chicken Gyro
Keftedakia – Greek Style Grilled Meatballs, Ouzo, Herbs
Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onions (for Gyro Kit)
Tzatziki – Authentic Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Garlic
Hummus – Garbanzo Beans, Tahini, Lemon
Pita
Galaktoboureko – Phyllo Dough, Citrus Semolina Custard
Baklava – Phyllo, Walnuts, Honey
Mama’s Rice Pudding – Bourbon Vanilla, Cinnamon
A part of Las Vegas for over three years, former Estiatorio Milos employee 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 Wednesday, and just as prior the experience was across-the-board exemplary.
Nothing less than an Off-Strip sensation since opening its doors, and since spawning an up-scale spinoff in Miami with Celebrity Chef Michael Mina, guests may currently 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 turning a profit.
Defined as “doing something with soul, creativity and love,” a spirit embodied by courteous employees taking all necessary precautions, it was slightly after 11:30am that Jerry arrived with several easy-stacking boxes containing temperature-control trays, this simple extra step guaranteeing Food is indistinguishable from that served inside the Restaurant in terms of quality.
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 Fried Potatoes as well as crisp and oilless Falafel lightly perfumed by Spices before diners delved into a trio of Desserts, Mama’s Rice Pudding winning over several Hispanics familiar with Arroz Con Leche while still-warm Galaktoboureko featuring Citrus Semolina Custard amidst Phyllo Dough remains arguably the best thing tasted yet in 2020, even better than Meraki’s city-best Baklava.
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, Keftedakia, Galaktoboureko, Rice Pudding.
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
