I am now at that point in my life when Spring Break just doesn’t have the same appeal as it once did. It has been buzz-killed by the fact that all of my friends are now finishing school, beginning more school, working at a job, or trying to find a job. As it turns out, I didn’t get to travel anywhere exotic for my big Spring Break this year. However, for a short time I did come close as I sipped wine, and chowed down on Hummus, Pita Bread, Gyros and Greek pastries at Lincoln’s very own– Parthenon.
This past weekend, four of my college roommates and I were reunited on our Spring Break in Lincoln, Nebraska and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Somehow, we convinced our friend Brittney, who is now in Dallas, to spend her vacation time back in our old stomping grounds. We had spent the majority of our weekend in the downtown area, so when Sunday night rolled around, we were ready to venture out. We had one last meal together before going our separate ways. As usual, we each had our own and different opinion about where to eat and what to do; and as usual, we took our time to argue, research and take recommendations so that we could make the most of our last meal. It was well worth it.
First and foremost we wanted great food, but we also wanted a fun atmosphere where we could chat, reminisce, laugh-out-loud and be entertained. Don’t get me wrong; we are a very sophisticated bunch. However, when we get together, we sometimes all talk at once or laugh so hard the table shakes. We wanted to be comfortable enjoying ourselves and the Parthenon was absolutely the perfect place to do so. We owe a big thanks to Alexa Cardona’s parents for their recommendation. They know all the best spots in Lincoln, and are way more fun than we are. We trusted their approval right away.
The Parthenon was featuring live music this past Sunday night when we came in. The talented artist, Mike Goode, played all of our favorites from Jason Mraz to John Mayer. It was the perfect entertainment for a Sunday night dinner scene– fun and upbeat to keep us smiling and even singing along at times, but also quiet enough for us to hear our own conversations.
This special occasion gave us a good excuse to try everything, starting with the wine-tasting specials. For a great price, we were given four glasses of wine. It was an excellent way to taste and compare different flavors. If you aren’t into wine, I am sure they have something for you behind their large and fully stocked bar. We also started off with the roasted red pepper hummus and pita bread. The warm pita bread was soft and delicious. The hummus was delicately spiced with fresh herbs and vegetables and blended to a smooth, nutty texture- the perfect accompaniment for the pita bread. I could have taken my spoon right to the hummus if we didn’t clean the plate with the pita bread!
I had to order the traditional Gyro Plate for my entree. The tender and spicy meat was dressed with a fresh tzatziki sauce and neatly placed on a bed of lettuce, tomatoes and onions. The slices of pita bread were tucked on its side to complete its polished presentation.
For my two sides, I chose the delicious house Agolemono soup and a vegetable medley. The soup was similar to a chicken and wild rice soup with a creamy base. The flavor was mild, but had a unique lemon flavor that added a tasty surprise to each spoonful. It was a nice complement to the many different Mediterranean flavors of our meal.
The vegetable medley side was their featured special– a cold, pickled mix of vegetables in a light, vinegar-based sauce. We all ended up ordering either the Chicken or the Signature Gyro Platters and were very pleased. Anna tried the other side special of the night– halved pears soaked in a cabernet wine, slightly savory and slightly sweet.
They were delicious, but we couldn’t consider them dessert…especially after we saw not one, but two glass displays filled with countless Greek desserts. I will warn you now. It is heavenly. We ended up trying a chocolate, coffee-flavored cake of some sort and an apple turnover.
The owners, and brothers, Mike and George Kazas, create and make the recipes that you will find on the Parthenon’s menu. Throughout the summer and whenever they can, they use local produce. If you have made a visit to the Parthenon, it is more than likely that one of the brothers has come out of the kitchen to ask about your meal and visit. They have a genuine and friendly disposition that is reflected in each and every employee. The Parthenon is a great place for a date, a family meal, or any group gathering. They are open for lunch and dinner and offer a very extensive menu:
All salads are served with a homemade Greek dressing and fresh pita bread. They also have Greek Pizzas, Specialty Pasta Dishes, Souvlaki Entrees, Vegan Entrees, Wraps and Specialty Meat Dishes for steak, lamb, chicken, vegetables and different combinations of each. You certainly won’t be disappointed with your experience at the Parthenon! Take my advice and head there on your next break. They are located on South 56th and Highway 2.
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