Souvlaki “pita, gyro, ap’ola”: the quintessential Greek dish!
The power of the souvlaki is strong!
I’m really picky when it comes to souvlaki.
I never eat it at home, when we order, because by the time the delivery boy knocks on our door, this delicious meaty and crunchy treat has become all soft, soggy and squelchy. I prefer enjoying it on the spot right next to the scent of the sizzling meat. I know that my clothes and my hair, all of me smells like I actually was smoked, so I just make sure I have nothing planned for after dinner, or else I’d show up with this revolting smell like I had been sitting in a smokehouse all day. This being said, trust me, it’s really worth it.
Picture this : The large fatty gyro spatter turning in front of the fire, the whole is jumbled like a spool of kite string after it’s been wrapped by a six-year old. Juicy and greasy slices of gyro are shaved off as it becomes done directly onto the grilled pita… Of course, the pita has been brushed with olive oil before it is thrown on the grill. On top come the ruby, succulent mouth-watering tomatoes, slices of strong hot onions, a spoonful or two of creamy spicy tzatziki, all this sprinkled with lots of sweet paprika.
It all comes wrapped in wax paper which keeps it all together and you eat it like you are peeling a banana. Then just take a big meaty and juicy bite! It can be messy, but who cares?
Sometimes chicken is used instead of gyros, a heretic variation to make the souvlaki healthier. When health consciousness and dietary restrictions hit the Greek menu, there can only be trouble… Souvlaki is pork, period. It’s not chicken. What’s next? Turkey? Others put the oddest things in the pita: French fries. What is that? The effect is totally ruined by throwing in hot oily fried potatoes. Not only does the souvlaki suffer, but think about the French fries themselves in the steamy envelope of the pita, all together becoming an ugly and soggy ensemble…
Lets stay true to the good old greasy, crunchy, meaty original version and then spend the rest of the evening with garlic breath!
I know it’s not exactly diet food, but who cares?
