Aegean - new restaurant

[beachmouse]

They're a new Greek restaurant that have gone into the casual/cafe space in between the Copper Grill and the carwash just west of the outlet mall. Same name and same ownership as the Aegean across the street from the Shalimar Courthouse Annex, and largely the same menu, though in some cases a little bit more expensive. (Though you're going to have higher costs on Hwy 98 in Walton County than you are if you're operating on Eglin Pkwy, so it's understandable) They also serve breakfast, at least on weekends.

The professor had his usual chicken gyro, and I had the hummus wrap. His chicken was nice and fresh and appropriately juicy (Shalimar seems to sometimes cook ahead and heat lamp it during lunch rushes), and my hummus did well for both taste and texture. Fires were a slight bit soggy, but otherwise had a good strong potato flavor and texture and are definitely not coated to maintain heat. Good enough that you don't really need ketchup for them, though I like to get an extra side of tzatziki to use as a dip because I'm one of those 'never too much garlic' kinds of people.

We were too full for the baklava this time, but they make it in house, along with tiramatsu. They've also got an excellent dip tray as an appetizer. I'll sometimes just get the hummus and santorini with pita wedges and make an entire meal of it.

Prices are still pretty reasonable by SoWal standards (chicken gyro and fries was $8) and I hope they get good business out there because I find them a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene.

 

[Matt J]

You mean a Greek restaurant that doesn't look/feel like a mafia front?

I'm in!

 

[Kurt]

They're a new Greek restaurant that have gone into the casual/cafe space in between the Copper Grill and the carwash just west of the outlet mall. Same name and same ownership as the Aegean across the street from the Shalimar Courthouse Annex, and largely the same menu, though in some cases a little bit more expensive. (Though you're going to have higher costs on Hwy 98 in Walton County than you are if you're operating on Eglin Pkwy, so it's understandable) They also serve breakfast, at least on weekends.

The professor had his usual chicken gyro, and I had the hummus wrap. His chicken was nice and fresh and appropriately juicy (Shalimar seems to sometimes cook ahead and heat lamp it during lunch rushes), and my hummus did well for both taste and texture. Fires were a slight bit soggy, but otherwise had a good strong potato flavor and texture and are definitely not coated to maintain heat. Good enough that you don't really need ketchup for them, though I like to get an extra side of tzatziki to use as a dip because I'm one of those 'never too much garlic' kinds of people.

We were too full for the baklava this time, but they make it in house, along with tiramatsu. They've also got an excellent dip tray as an appetizer. I'll sometimes just get the hummus and santorini with pita wedges and make an entire meal of it.

Prices are still pretty reasonable by SoWal standards (chicken gyro and fries was $8) and I hope they get good business out there because I find them a welcome addition to the local restaurant scene.

Thank you - I saw the sign at the old Bluz location and was wondering about it and if they had opened. If you have their phone, website, etc. please post and we'll add them to our dining directory, along with your review.

 

[beachmouse]

I didn't grab a take-out menu, but the phone number for the Shalimar location is listed as 613-6120 and they'd probably be able to give more info about the Destin branch.

Interior decor is pretty much white walls and aiming for a Greek islands feel with standard patio tables out front overlooking non-scenic 98.

 

[BeachbumAggie]

yum, I love Greek food!

 

[jodiFL]

Although I rarely get that far west on 98, (unless I am on a mission and cant wait to get back to the 'woods') this sounds like a place to stop instead of the regulars. Just hope that this one doesnt fall into the footsteps of the last few places in that location. I have known employees of both previous restaurants that showed up to work one day only to find it closed. They are opening at a rough time of year, I hope they hang in there.

 

[beachmouse]

Yeah. Opening a restaurant in the fall in Walton County is not for the weak of heart of pocketbook. But the parent company seems to do very well in Shalimar so hopefully they can cushion things until spring break picks up if need be.

 

[Matt J]

I think as long as the name Creehan isn't involved you have a better chance of having a job in a week.

 

[Iris]

We drive to Ft Walton to eat the Greek food at the Mothership and love it. Looking forward to the new location.

 

[Kurt]

AEGEAN Restaurant: Our Menu