First Time at Parthenon? Prepare to be Wowed! "I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Parthenon Restaurant and Chevy Chase Lounge for the first time, and it was an absolutely delightful experience! Finding parking was a breeze during lunchtime, with ample street parking available (though I'm curious to see how it is in the evenings!). Upon entering, I did wait a brief moment for the host, but from the moment he greeted me , any initial hesitation vanished. And let me tell you, that host? His name is Michael, and he's a true gem. He also served as our server, and his service was nothing short of exceptional. Michael's warmth and genuine enthusiasm made us feel instantly welcome. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering insightful suggestions and engaging in fantastic conversation throughout our meal. I was torn between two entrees, and his recommendations were so compelling that I simply let him choose for me! He opted for the Bronzino, beautifully fileted prior to coming to the table, and it was divine. However, knowing my curiosity about the lamb shank, he graciously brought out a sample for us to try – both were absolutely phenomenal. Michael had a knack for making sure we were always smiling. He quickly picked up on my preference for positive affirmations and never once uttered the word "no." His attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile were truly remarkable. We started with the crab stuffed mushrooms, which were a perfect appetizer. My lunch companion also enjoyed a delicious fish dish (I regret not remembering the exact type!), which he declared was excellent. We were so full that we couldn't indulge in dessert, but I'm already planning a return visit with my mother. I was thrilled to see calf liver on the menu, a rare find in the city, and I know she'll love it. If you're looking for a lovely, intimate dining experience with outstanding service and delectable food, I wholeheartedly recommend the Parthenon Restaurant. Ask for Michael, and tell him I sent you! You won't be...
Read moreI ordered the stuffed mushrooms and the spanakotyropita pie last night. Upon opening the mushroom box, first thing I noticed was that the mushrooms were rather small and not a big portion for $12.50...
Also they seemed to be covered with an excessive amount of cheese. It was yellowish, I just assumed it was the feta after being baked a bit.
Turns out it was mustard. A lot of people don't like mustard, and for me, I am allergic to mustard. While mustard isn't the most common allergy, it's one of the top 14 allergens and also one of the most common spice allergies. The menu literally just said mushrooms stuffed with spinach and feta. I recognized it right after swallowing and spent the night with an itchy throat. It would be nice for the menu to accurately describe what they serve with the dish. Especially even for people who don't like it, let alone are allergic.
The spana pie was okay but I was turned off at that point. It described as spinach and feta pie but had an overwhelming amount of onions in it, also not mentioned. Not allergic to onions but I would like to know what I'm ordering.
Two stars because when I called the restaurant freaking out wondering if there was mustard (took the guy who answered a minute to find out), he offered for them to send me something else. But I really had no more interest in their food. And they also get two stars because they did include two really large slices of bread. I put peanut butter on them and ate them.
Google doing its thing and not letting me...
Read moreThe 4 stars is more for the atmosphere and the service, rather than the food. This is a place that you go to if you are craving Greek food, but you may not be too happy with the results. I may recommend the outside location for dates, during the summer months, but thats about it.
I had an excellent server, his name was Daniel. He was very informative and helpful - my dad really liked the bread that was served in the beginning of the meal, and he was kind enough to give us some to take home with us.
The ambiance is a little strange - a random blue awning and pillars inside clash - not classic and not modern. However if you dont move from one space to the other, its not that jarring. Personally, I prefer the inside. The art on the wall is a little random as well - the space is not well filled up, and the yellow on the walls makes it look a tad dingy.
Now to the food. My dad had the combination platter and I had the Gyro platter. The food was very well cooked and prepared, we didn't have an overlong wait time either though the restaurant was full. However, it wasn't very authentic and I think that's what my dad and I respond to the most. But we came away with a good meal and a large amount...
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