On Slick’s recommendation, Eat Squad visited one of his favorite restaurants in Atlanta on Sunday evening – Cafe Agora. I’d been there once before w/ the Shapiros after our V-Day Extravaganza at Chateau Elan, but I’d only tried their hummus + pita. This time, however, I tried everything – many thanks to Al, the restaurant owner, who fork-fed me a nice portion of the meal. (I’m not kidding.)
Cafe Agora - Buckhead
Upon arriving at Cafe Agora, Slick introduced me to Al and he slid two glasses of tap H2O in our direction. I told Al that it was my first time at the Cafe, which had come highly recommended from Slick. Without saying much, Al walked to the back and came out with a small maza plate of hummus, baba ganoush, ezme, kisir + piyaz and eggplant salad, as well as a small plate of spanakopita. He sternly informed us that we had to finish everything on the plate if we wanted to eat dinner there. (It didn’t take long for me to realize that this isn’t a man you want to argue with… ) Instead, I mentally prepared myself to ingest large quantities of Mediterranean food over the next hour and a half – whether I wanted to or not.
As soon as some more of our Eat Squad arrived, we sat down at the somewhat rickety, unassuming tables in the small restaurant and waited to order. When the server approached our table, he brought over a large version of the maza plate w/ warm pita for the table to share – a nice welcome gift from our friend, Al.
Once we polished it off, the server took our orders. Everyone except for Foodie Buddha and I got the Agora Mixed Grill (mixed plate of meats). FB and I ordered the Gyro. (Honestly, I didn’t really have a choice – I was told (or commanded may be the better word?) by Al to get it.) Sure – whatever he says.
LISTEN TO AL!! I loved it. It was awesome.
I was concerned that the gyro was going to be fatty, but I seriously didn’t find an ounce of fat on it. Instead, when I unwrapped the aluminum foil holding my huge gyro together, it overflowed with meat, lettuce, onions and tzatziki. It was delicious, and I ate all of it.
Al brought over a large plate of pistachio baklava for dessert. I thought that it was pretty greasy, but it was certainly tasty and we didn’t have a problem finishing it.
What a fun experience! That’s really what it was – an experience.
Al isn’t for everyone – I will say that. I’m not sure how my father would feel about Al forcing a forkful of food in his face… And, I kind of think that Al arbitrarily makes up his own prices when you approach the register, which is more than a little eyebrow raising – frankly I’m not sure it’s even legal. Regardless, I got a kick out of him, and the Cafe Agora gyro has been summoning me back ever since I left on Sunday. I definitely recommend checking this place out, and please send Al my regards when you do.
xx, L
Cafe Agora
262 E. Paces Ferry Rd. NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
404.949.0900
www.cafeagora.com/index.htm
As we walked up to the counter and I checked out my choices, my head almost exploded. Jalapeño Coconut. Dulce de Leche chunk. Strawberry Cheesecake. Red Bean. Ginger Lavender. I sampled e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. and everything was amazing.
The best part for me, though, was the shameless lobbying that each charismatic chili chef was doing for their own chili. Loved it. I think it was safe to say that equal parts moxie and chili were served that evening. The Buddha felt like personality weighed heavily on the way he would cast his vote and I had to agree. Eventually all votes were cast…
Y’all: I adore this bar. It’s low key and cozy and funky and just a perfect little place to hang out. We were, of course, NOT eating, but the menu looked pretty darn good. Gastro-pubby. You know.
