Philly's Take On Mediterranean

Lily Kades; Harriton High School 2027

Who Knew Philly had a good Mediterranean restaurant? Lourdas, the greek tavern, located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of flavorful meals. From their creamy and traditional spreads like Tzatzki and hummus, to their fresh fish and tender meats, this restaurant gave off the impression that I was vacationing under the Mykonos sun. 

For my meal, I ordered the gyro, a popular Greek dish with seasoned vegetables and meat, all served in Pita bread. This Gyro from Lourdas was one of the freshest meals I have ever eaten. It was served with freshly cut slices of beef that were rich and juicy with each bite. The beef had a subtle hint of zest from the Mediterranean spices, but overall, the flavor was perfectly balanced and savory. 

The Gyro was served with fresh tomatoes and onions that added a hint of sweetness to the dish. The vegetables had the perfect crunch and offered a refreshing taste to the meal that transported me to a day on the beach. It was as if the warm, sun-filled days of a Mediterranean vacation were captured into one bite.

Next, the Gyro was coated in a rich and velvety Tzatziki sauce served with cucumber, yogurt, and a garlic dip. The sauce was smooth and refreshing, but had a slight tang from the Greek yogurt base. The coolness of the cucumber and the spice from the garlic perfectly complemented the beef and vegetables. 

Finally, the Gyro was served in pita bread that cradled the fillings like a warm blanket. It was crisp on the outside, but soft and airy on the inside. The pita perfectly held the meat, vegetables, and sauce making each bite capture every single flavor in the meal.

Overall, this meal was 8.5/10. I will definitely be returning back to Lourdas, and hope to try another Greek dish, though I know that I can never go wrong with the classic Gyro!