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Belly dancing, live music, delicious Greek cusine at Bacchanal

 

My summer trip to Greece and the Greek Islands left me immediately hooked to their fresh, healthy, plentiful, and delicious food. The feta, the tomatoes, the olives, the fresh pitas, the lamb, and the hummus. I really could go on for days, but I haven't had breakfast yet, and the mere memories of my culinary experiences in the Mediterranean are making my stomach rumble in protest. They tell you never to grocery shop on an empty tummy, and I guess you can say the same about writing an article about food before breakfast.

 

Bacchanal is by far the most entertaining Greek dining I have experienced yet in Phoenix. Since my vacation to the fantastic lamb-loving motherland, I've been on the hunt for comparably authentic and delicious Mediterranean food. Bacchanal fits the bill! This hole in the wall spot sits inconspicuously in a dowdy shopping mall near downtown Phoenix. It's one of those strip mall restaurants you unknowingly drive by daily without realizing the incredible experience you're passing by.

 

The best way to describe the décor is Greek grandma’s basement. The 1970’s church style chairs, the dimly lit room, the cylindrical concrete support pillars placed randomly throughout the room, and the lovely, but fake flower bouquets. Your doubt is suspended as you are immediately and enthusiastically greeted by George. We weren’t sure if he was the owner, the maitre d’, the entertainment director, or just a fun loving employee.Whatever his title, he runs the place! Our table of six girls were seated just off the wedding style, square dance floor. Directly behind us were a stage full of musician-less instruments and a giant kitchy mural of the Greek homeland. We were informed that live music and a belly dancer would start their performances at 9pm. Our reservations were at 8:45pm on a Friday night, and we were surprised to be one of only two parties in the whole restaurant. George informed us that normally the restaurant is totally packed, and reservations are a must.

 

The music and belly dancing started right on schedule. The beautiful bouzouki music filled the small restaurant, and the belly dancer performed in an exquisite costume. For the families, this was a performance appropriate for all ages. Before we knew it, George had our entire table out of our seats and dancing traditional Greek line dances with him! We were dancing in circles, kicking, hopping, shouting, laughing. It was fabulous fun!

 

 

We did squeeze in some time to eat here, I promise! If you want to experience authentic Greek cuisine, Bacchanal will not disappoint. We ordered a mixed sampler platter to begin. This included tiropita, spanakopita, dolmades, feta, kalamata olives, stuffed mushrooms, and tzatziki dip. For a few girls in our group who had never experienced true Greek food, this was a great way to introduce them to the usual suspects. If you have more than three in your party, I recommend ordering two appetizers. For my entrée, I split the two person sampler Fantasia Platter with my lovely cousin. She reported that it was utterly impossible to determine her favorite part of the dolmades, pastichio, moussaka, arni psito and kota Athenian (chicken with vegetables and pasta) dish. Each one was scrumptious! The other diners ordered the gyro sampler plate, a greek salad, Moussaka, and the vegetarian Moussaka. If I were to dine here again, I recommend the creamy, flavorful, hearty and absolutely delectable Moussaka.  If you’ve never had it, think of a Greek version of lasagna. 

 

 

The wine list presents a modest selection of domestic choices, but boasts an impressive five white wines and seven red wines imported directly from Greece. They offer a full service bar which includes traditional Greek spirits: Metaxa, Ouzo and Tsipouro.

 

Get ready for laughs, mouth-watering authentic Greek food, traditional music, and your dancing shoes! No inhibitions allowed

here!

 

 

 

 

Bacchanal 3015 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 - 9:30 pm. Friday – Saturday 5:00 - 11:00 pm with cocktails and entertainment until 1:00 am. For Reservations: 602-224-9377