A fast-casual Greek restaurant from the owner of Avli Estiatorio should open on May 1 right next door to their suburban Winnetka location. Chef/owner Louie Alexakis is hoping his new concept that centers around spit rotisserie lamb and chicken — simply called Avli Restaurant & Rotisserie— is scalable and that he'll open more locations including one in Chicago.

http://chicago.eater.com/2016/4/14/1141 ... restaurant

ronnie_suburban wrote:Gyros and locanico are not made in-house....

menu states: "Avli's Homemade Gyros"

Sweet Willie wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Gyros and locanico are not made in-house....

menu states: "Avli's Homemade Gyros"

Yes, they are. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I typed that but the delicious Gyros at Avli are most definitely made in-house and they always have been. I must have been thinking of another item when I wrote that. I'm really sorry for the misinformation.

=R=

ronnie_suburban wrote:

Sweet Willie wrote:

ronnie_suburban wrote:Gyros and locanico are not made in-house....

menu states: "Avli's Homemade Gyros"

Yes, they are. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I typed that but the delicious Gyros at Avli are most definitely made in-house and they always have been. I must have been thinking of another item when I wrote that. I'm really sorry for the misinformation.

=R=

thanks for the clarification. We've all had items that claim to be "home made". Parents & I were going to head to Avli on Friday night but seeing as soft shells are in season, picked up some whales at Heinen's instead.

Went to Avli this past weekend. Mrs Willie, parents and I shared the following:

4 spreads: Taramosalata, Skordalia, Hummus, Tzaziki. The taramosalata and skordalia were outstanding, the tzaziki was why bother. (over a gyro sure but compared to the other dips, just didn't measure up)

Grilled Octopus - as good as everyone else has stated, terrific

Avli Bruchetta w/shaved fennel, white anchovies, dill, EVOO - again, terrific

Moussaka - sorry to be repetitive but again, terrific

Mini Rack of Lamb - chargrilled half rack of lamb. Rapini and lemon-oregano rice. Lamb was cooked to M rather than the MR requested, still tender & good flavor. Rapini & rice were very enjoyable.

Gigantes - giant beans, feta, tomato sauce. Feta was served on the side, I found the feta was definitely needed to liven up the dish. Beans were cooked perfectly.

Horta - blanched dandelion greens, garlic, EVOO. I would have liked more garlic with these but still very enjoyable.

We'll be back for sure

While 2017 saw Sumi Robata Bar close to end a five-year run in River North, there’s now news of a promising replacement restaurant. Chef Louie Alexakis, the owner of Avli Restaurant — an acclaimed Greek spot in suburban Winnetka that begot a more-casual spin-off in 2016 — is taking over the space.

https://chicago.eater.com/2018/1/5/1685 ... eek-summer

Sorry to report a painful meal here this wkend w/the main issue (although not only) the service-- managed to piss off some of the nicest people I know. Food was good not great, but if you're angry, it doesn't matter what's on the plate.

Jazzfood wrote:Sorry to report a painful meal here this wkend w/the main issue (although not only) the service-- managed to piss off some of the nicest people I know. Food was good not great, but if you're angry, it doesn't matter what's on the plate.

Oh my. What a shame. That's really a bummer.

=R=

I can report a very good experience and meal at the casual, quick service Avli Rotisserie space a few weeks back. The gyros sandwich with spicy tzaziki was delicious and the small order of rotisserie potatoes was a great side option. This was my first visit to the rotisserie space and I will definitely be returning soon (and of course to the main restaurant as well).

Hoping the planned ventures from Avli owners into the city with locations in Lincoln Park and River North still materialize.

A second painful meal here w/nasty fried cali, over cooked whitefish and dry as dirt short rib. Sad to say about a place I once loved.