Panos Greek Taverna and a "Bowl of Heaven"

While a number of Vancouverites flock to Davie for the mouthwatering Greek dishes at Stepho's, early line up's down the block, it's refreshing to find a good Greek place in South Vancouver.  Located on the south side of Marine Drive, just off Fraser sits Panos Taverna. A cozy little place (that also has a big tv on the back wall for you sports fans) that gives off a sense you're in a sleepy part of Greece with homecooking abound. 

With the benefits of the internet, we sat down knowing pretty much what to order. With countless reviews and recommendations for the roast lamb, it seemed a no brainer to a girl who usually goes with a skewer plate. But before we get to the roast lamb, appetizer time - in the familiar form of calamari.

 Calamari being a good staple choice, no complaints at all as there was a good balance between batter and squid.






What no pita and humus? You ask, well, now that comes with most of the mains (well sans humus). After finishing a refreshing Greek salad that comes with the entree, my roast lamb arrived accompanied by a side of rice, potatoes and yes the pita.  The lamb was tender and easily fell off the bone for the most part. Good flavor without being dry at all. Needless to say the portion was big and I had my lunch for the next day (which by the way still tasted almost as good, but drier after sitting in the microwave understandably).

My friend ordered the moussaka. It reminds me of a shepherd's pie. Potato, eggplants and zucchini on top of grilled sirloin. A pretty good combination, there's something sweet in the potatoes though, almost coconut-y but not. Also another filling dish that ended up as lunch the next day.



In the old days, leftover dinner usually meant no room for dessert, but in this case (and most cases), better to save room for dessert. Bypassing the usual baclava, the choice tonight was ekmec.

From their menu: a layer of sponge cake with a chilled creamy vanilla custard with whipped cream, roasted almonds, walnuts and a dash of cinnamon. YUM!
Great size to share or indulge by yourself. The proportion of cake to custard was fairly lopsided though as it was really the cake that piqued the interest.

All in all a decently priced meal (their take out menus are less too for the cost conscious individual) and good service, they're open for lunch as well most days. For those who get a coupon book with their flyers (that's you who probably live in the Main St/Cambie part of South Van) there's one there to remember to bring =)