What: The Gyros Plate
Where: Nina’s Traditional Greek Cuisine and Pizzeria, 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs
How much: $10
Contact: 760-323-8552; www.ninasgreekcuisine.com
Why: The mixture of crunch and moist and creamy
I just finished the gyros plate I got for lunch at Nina’s Traditional Greek Cuisine and Pizzeria. Two words describe how I am feeling right now.
Full. And—foremost—happy.
I am full, because the food on said plate is not a small portion. There are four smallish slices of pita bread, two large Kalamata olives, a fairly generous amount of marinated red onions, slices of tomato, a cup of tzatziki, and a whole bunch of delicious gyro slices.
Let’s talk about that gyro: This spiced mixture of lamb and beef is the best gyro I’ve ever had. The thing that makes the gyro special is the way in which it’s prepared: On the ends, it’s got crunchy-char goodness; in the middle of the slices, the meat is moist and almost spongy. As the saying goes: Variety is the spice of life, and the variety of both flavor and texture offered in a single slice of gyro adds a whole lot of figurative spice. (And the non-figurative level of spice is perfect, by the way.)
Now, let’s talk about that tzatziki: This yogurt sauce (which can be eaten on its own, too) is what sends this plate into the culinary stratosphere. As with the gyro, it’s some of the best I’ve ever had. It adds a cool, tart freshness to anything it comes in contact with—and when added to the gyro, it leads to an almost overwhelming (in a good way) nexus of sensations and flavors.
So, yeah. I am full—so, full, in fact, that an extra 20 minutes of cardio at the gym is a must next time. But thanks to this homestyle, made-with-love food at this small, almost-cramped counter-service restaurant, I am happy. Really, really happy.