In all my time as a food fanatic, it's hard to believe that Ikaros was my first Greek cuisine experience. I used to think that Greek food just meant olives and greasy lamb gyros showered in indigestion-causing spices and sauces. However, after dining at Ikaros, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Greek cuisine is definitely more than a greasy gyro.
Ikaros is located in Greektown, which is within walking distance from the Hopkins medical campus. Greektown spans several blocks along Eastern Avenue. This area is noted for its numerous Greek bakeries, restaurants and small, family-owned businesses. Though Greektown is surrounded by a few shady neighborhoods, it is quite safe to walk around during the day.
Ikaros serves up fresh Mediterranean Greek fare that is sure to please all food aficionados. It is also probably the only restaurant in Baltimore that serves "Flaming Cheese," or saganaki.
The owners and chefs aim to give their customers a genuinely Greek experience. Right away, a man dressed in a suit opened the door and welcomed me and my companion to Ikaros. I immediately felt like I was in a warm and friendly environment. Mediterranean music resonated throughout the simply decorated dining room. Various photos and paintings depicting different parts of Greece were hung from white walls.
The menu is extensive, so ask the waiter to point out classic Greek dishes. Start out with the saganaki, a memorable dish. You're probably wondering how on earth "Flaming Cheese" is made. It sounds like an impossible feat, but the answer lies in the olive oil.
Olive oil, a staple of Greek cuisine, keeps the cheese from burning as the waiter flambées it at the table. Just add lemon juice to extinguish the flames and it's ready to be enjoyed. Saganaki is best with bread and a bit of oregano for flavoring.?
Also try the Greek Salad - the house dressing is superb. The salad consists of iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions and giant chunks of fresh feta cheese. I moved the olives as far away from my plate as possible.
When I asked the waitress what the dressing was, she shrugged and said, "A combination of things." Secret family recipe??
Next, I recommend the moussaka, a Greek favorite. Moussaka is composed of layers of sliced potatoes, eggplant, ground beef, tomatoes and egg custard, topped off with béchamel sauce. I first thought moussaka would taste similar to lasagna, but it was 10 times better.
The tomatoes and the béchamel, (white cream sauce) mixed with the ground beef and potatoes is a savory treat. The generous portion is more than anyone can eat, so take the leftovers home and enjoy them even more the next day.?
Ikaros's various lamb dishes are also worth ordering. The lamb kapama, braised baby lamb served with rice pilaf and topped with tomato sauce, is one of the restaurant's most popular meals.
Also notable is the lamb guvetsi, braised baby lamb cooked with guvetsi (Greek for pasta) in tomato and white wine sauce.
Originally, I ordered the lamb guvetsi, but I ended up with something else. It didn't really matter though, because whatever I was brought was delicious. My meal consisted of braised lamb cooked with string beans in a white wine, herb and tomato sauce.
The lamb meat was tender and nearly falling off the bone. The tomato sauce was light and not too acidic. The plate was simple, just lamb and string beans, but every bite left me craving more.?
The dessert menu offers several different Greek pastries. I ordered the Baklavas, which the menu describes as "the classic Greek pastry prepared with a combination of walnuts, filo (dough) and special syrup."
Though the baklavas is famous in Eastern European countries, I was not a huge fan of it. Maybe it was because I hate nuts, or maybe I am just biased towards chocolate cake and ice cream.?
For two appetizers, two entrees and dessert, our bill of $38.90 wasn't cheap but also was not outrageous. The saganaki, priced at $8, was a bit expensive for an appetizer, but most entrees range from a more reasonable $12 to $16.
Ikaros has been in business since 1969 and sticks to what it knows best - authentic Greek cuisine in a friendly environment.
So take a trip to Greektown, even if it's a little off the beaten path. For authentic Greek cuisine, Ikaros is the place to go.
