Forty years ago, Anatoli Souvlaki welcomed its first guests to its Lower Lonsdale restaurant, swiftly establishing itself as a dining destination in the evolving neighbourhood.
Over the past four decades, the spot considered the "grandfather of dining" in a part of the North Shore that has experienced massive growth has maintained its reputation as a lively and welcoming restaurant dishing up comforting Greek staples. The cherished haunt has been serving up pita, tzatziki, and savoury grilled skewers at 5 Lonsdale Ave since before the Quay opened in time for Expo 86 and back when the SeaBus was orange.
A true family-run establishment, founders Helen Babalos and Thomas Makris often brought their children to the restaurant with them, including two sons, Iani and Alexi Makris, who now not only operate the original North Vancouver spot but have also expanded under their Greek by Anatoli banner to operate an additional three locations in Vancouver. The most recent new addition to The Greek family is its West Broadway restaurant near Cambie Street.
Anatoli Souvlaki's 40th anniversary menu: Greek classics at 1984 prices
On Friday, April 19, The Greek will mark its 40th anniversary in North Vancouver. To celebrate, the restaurant is going to roll its menu prices back all the way to 1984, for one day only.
Guests who dine at The Greek by Anatoli in Lower Lonsdale will be able to order from a special anniversary menu with some of the restaurant's most popular dishes, and the bill could have some wondering if they had travelled back in time. The Chicken Souvlaki Dinner plate will ring in at $14.50, while a serving of Spanakopita (spinach pie in flaky filo) will be just $8. For dessert, Baklava or chocolate mousse (at a mere $3 a piece).
The special anniversary menu will only be available on April 19 for The Greek's dine-in customers in North Vancouver, and guests will be limited to one-hour seatings. The restaurant will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and reservations are open.
“We’re really excited to be able to celebrate this occasion on April 19th,” said Iani Makris in a press release. “We can remember hanging out in the restaurant with our parents as we grew up, then spending years learning about the business while we worked there.”
“We’re proud to be able to keep the family tradition alive and look forward to welcoming friends old and new to share this occasion with us," added Alexi Makris.
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