National Baklava Day: The History of Baklava

Baklava is the most common dessert for many Greek families. Baklava was first reported in Constantinople when Greek merchants were made aware of it. The modern-day baklava, and the variety of ways that it is consumed, has gone through numerous changes. In celebration of National Baklava Day, we will dive into the influence that various cultures have had on baklava over the years. The Greeks’ most notable contribution to baklava was the creation of a dough technique as thin as a leaf. The typical method was a more rough and bread-like dough used in other regions. The name “Phyllo”, which is the name of the dough used for baklava, was coined by Greeks and means “leaf” in Greek, taken straight from the texture itself.

The dessert and delicacy were perfected during the Ottoman Empire after being brought from Constantinople. The kitchens throughout the Ottoman palace became a culinary hotspot for baklava recipes, serving up the greatest renditions of Baklava to the upper-class members of society. Baklava grew from a simple pastry into a dessert to please the dignitaries. Over time, it grew into a dessert that people would bake for special occasions and family gatherings. The times have changed so much that now you can go to your local bakery and stumble upon pre-packaged baklava. 

Baklava Influences From Around The World

It’s undeniable that baklava was impacted by the different migration patterns in the Middle East. The region has seen many of the world’s oldest civilizations come and go, with each of them modifying the baklava to match their personal and cultural preferences. More influences to the classic baklava recipe include the Armenian influence – when they integrated cinnamon and cloves into their baklava. 

More influences include the Arab civilizations introducing the rose-water and orange blossom water to baklava recipes. Cooks and chefs who worked in the Ottoman palaces contributed greatly to the refinement of pastry-making. Due to the popularity of baklava among cooks and pastry chefs, pastry desserts became more accessible to the middle and lower classes towards the end of the 19th century. 

Other Popular Greek Desserts

One of the most common desserts besides baklava is delicious and moist Greek donuts. This delicacy comes in a variety of different flavors. Try our classic, with honey, walnuts, and cinnamon, or our Bougatsa with custard creme, phyllo dough, and powdered. We also serve a custard filled with honey and pistachio, or our personal favorite Yaya’s, with oreo cookies and powdered sugar. Visit us today to learn more!

3 Reasons Why Greek Food Can’t Be Beat

3 Reasons Why Greek Food Can’t Be Beat

Greek culinary is known for its fresh ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and delectable sweets. Not only is it full of fresh ingredients, but Greek food is also one of the healthiest Mediterranean foods. On top of that, Greek food has a wide variety of dishes, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Keep reading below for more reasons why Greek food can’t be beaten. Download our app today to stay up-to-date with our GreCo community.

Health Benefits

The freshness of Greek food is tied to its health benefits – they take pride in their ingredients. To start off, the convenience of Greek’s location includes the plethora of native spices like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage. If it’s grown in the country, you could assume that it’s healthier. Greece is also surrounded by four seas. That gives the country opportunities to gather fresh seafood off its coasts. Eating fresh, unfrozen, unprocessed foods will make your body feel even better, which is a great excuse to eat Greek. 

Vegetarian Options

There are a number of dishes made almost entirely of plant-based foods, one of the most popular trends that have taken the restaurant world by storm. For Greek communities, eating vegetarian isn’t hard. In addition to that, since seafood is a common ingredient in the Greek diet, pescatarians can find fresh dishes perfect for their diet. No matter your preference, Greece has an endless list of delicious and traditional meals that can satisfy your hunger while also connecting you with Greek roots. 

Appetizers 

Known in Greek as “mezes”, appetizers are light refreshments that were historically served in the late afternoon. For Greek families, appetizers are one of the more popular courses. The US does have appetizers as well but it seems like they aren’t quite as common as those in Greece and Mediterranean neighborhoods. When you travel to your local Greek restaurant, make sure to indulge in the mezes, one of the most unique and popular courses for Mediterranean groups. 

Why YOU Should Try GreCo in Boston

If the 3 reasons above haven’t convinced you to visit GreCo in Boston, then visit our gallery to see for yourself. This incredibly unique dining experience will welcome you into our neighborhood. GreCo is the neighborhood we grew up in, the stories we heard while growing up, the people we loved. GreCo is a trip and we travel along with it. And on that trip, we carry our recipes and share all the smells and tastes of home. Visit us today!

A Brief History of Gyros

Gyros are a Grecian street food staple. Over the years, these delicious wraps have made their way around the world and can now be found in cities all over the globe, from New York City to Sydney and beyond. 

Even if you’re a big fan of eating gyros, though, there’s a good chance you don’t know the fascinating history behind this popular Greek food. Here, we dive into some of the most intriguing facts about gyros – you’re sure to be able to impress your friends (and the wait staff!) next time you visit your local Greco restaurant.

What Exactly is a Gyro?

A Greek gyro – pronounced “GHEE-ro” is a stacked pile of thinly sliced meat (traditionally lamb, pork, or beef) that is roasted while it is turned on a small spit, similar to a rotisserie chicken. Once the meat has fully cooked, it is placed in a pita wrap with various toppings, which conventionally include tomatoes, lettuce, onions, parsley, and Greek yogurt or tzatziki as the sauce. 

Where Does the Term “Gyro” Come From?

“Gyro” is derived from the Greek word “gheereezo”, which means “to turn”. This name, of course, was given to the wrap sandwich because of how its main ingredient – the meat – is cooked. 

When Were Gyros Invented?

According to some historical accounts, gyros were initially part of traditional Greek skewered meat feasts, which seemingly took place when soldiers returned from battle victorious. Some reports note that this tradition was started by the Hellenic icon, Alexander the Great, and his returning armies. Seemingly Alexander’s soldiers would skewer and roast various cuts of meat on sword-like blades over an open fire, turning the long knives similarly to how gyros are still made today. 

To the best of anyone’s knowledge, though, gyros, as we know them today, were first made around 1922, with the hundreds of thousands of Greek and Armenian refugees from Turkey. Most were natives of Constantinople – now known as Istanbul – and Smyrna – now known as Ismir. As the lore goes, Armenians made the best gyros. 

Following World War II, Allied soldiers returned home with a fondness for gyros, which led to many immigrant-owned gyro restaurants and stands throughout the United States, Eastern Europe, and Australia – some of which still exist today!

Ordering Gyros in the Pandemic Era.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how people live, work, and even eat, it is worth noting that most Greek restaurants offer take-home service or curbside delivery for patrons nowadays. Furthermore, check Uber Eats or another food delivery app to see if any of your local Greco will bring a gyro straight to your front door!

Visit Greco Boston Today

Next time you’re craving a gyro, look no further! We serve some of the most authentic and delicious Greek food in the city, and we can’t wait to serve you soon. If you have questions about feeding a crowd, contact us to learn more about our catering options for large parties. Visit one of our four Greco locations in Boston! Give us a call at (617) 572-3300.

Facts About Gyros

Many foodies love more than just the tasty dish or treat that’s set before them. You’ll find many that love the stories behind the foods they love and enjoy. Street dishes often have certain mysteries associated with them. The Gyro is a favorite Greek street dish that so many Americans have come to love. The combination of pita wrap, filled with well-seasoned meat and topped with yogurt sauce called tzatziki. Just in case you are curious, here are some interesting facts about Gyros. Head to Greco Boston for delicious, authentic Gyros!

Gyro is Commonly Mispronounced

The pronunciation and spelling of Gyro are different, which is to say that it’s not pronounced as it’s spelled. Common mispronunciations include “gee-ros”, “jee-ros,” and “jai-ros”. The correct pronunciation is “Yeh-ro.” Can’t see the connection? The “g” is silent. “Yeh” is the pronunciation of the Greek letter “gamma” in the Greek language.

Gyro Means “To Turn”

The literal meaning of the term Gyro is “to turn” or “revolution”, with origin in the Greek word “gheereezo”. It refers to how the meat is cooked. This is because of how the meat is cooked, which you will learn in the next entry.

Gyros are Cooked Vertically in a Rotisserie Grill

Chicken and pork are the two main meat kinds used in a Gyro and cooked upright in a rotisserie grill. Picture a vertical spit of stacked thin meat slices being simmered, and the meat shaved off strips of the meat with each serving. It can take roughly an hour for the meat to cook.

Gyro is Rooted in a Rich Cooking History

The origin of grilling meats on a skewer can be traced to the Eastern Mediterranean in the Mycenean Greek and Minoan periods. The Gyro (the technique of vertical spit of stacked meat slices and cutting it off while cooking)first arrived in Greece in the 1920s, brought from Constantinople and Smyrna by refugees.

Gyro Was Introduced in America in 1965

The Gyro was first introduced to Americans in 1965 by George Apostolou in the Parkview Restaurant located in Chicago, Illinois. The dish quickly got popular, and the demand resulted in other restaurants offering gyros as an alternative to hamburgers.

Largest Gyro was Made in Cyprus

A Lebanese Cypriot restaurateur, Sami EId, who resides in Limassol, Cyprus, made an 8,866 pounds Gyro. This was a world-record-setting gyro- the largest ever created. He achieved this feat using more than 70 grills and two tons of natural gas.

Americans Consume Millions of Gyros Yearly

Michael Austin, CEO of the world’s largest gyro manufacturer, Kronos Foods, claims that Americans eat over 300,000 of their gyros daily. That amounts to more than a million annually.

Visit Greco Boston for Gyros

The Gyro is an incredible food option that is known for its unforgettable taste, which is why you should visit Greco Boston. We offer the best gyros around that will leave you wanting more after your first one. Come in and place your order and grab a bite of your favorite Greek food. Or, you can place your order online! We look forward to serving you at Greco Boston.