Avli, the Greek restaurant-to-be in the one-time home of View MKE and Wolf Peach (1818 N. Hubbard St.), is almost in kickoff mode. The opening is Wednesday, Sept. 20, with dinner service starting at 5 p.m.
If you recall that space in Brewers Hill, it’s two levels, with bars on each floor – and two outdoor patios. It has a lovely skyline view which I hope is visible at Avli. The Chicago-based parent company operates five other restaurants in northern Illinois.
The new MKE spot takes its aesthetic cues from summers in Greece, with the design scheme incorporating whites and wood and earth tones. Three Greek words are part of its mission – philoxenia (which translates to hospitality), kefi (joy) and meraki (passion).
The menu promises classic and contemporary Greek dishes – the former being things like egg-lemon soup, spanakopita (spinach pie), and souvlaki (grilled, skewered meat). The menu’s launch pad is a selection of spreads, such as hummus, tzatziki, tarama (cod roe and potato), and tirokafteri (feta, roasted red peppers), each served with pita bread ($11-$18 for a sampler). There’s another section devoted to meze (appetizers), including kataifi prawns (wrapped in phyllo) and soutzoukakia (meatballs), $14-$19. And of course, main dishes – from fried cod to grilled whole tsipoura (sea bream) and beef ragout pie to lamb chops ($20-$38).
Reservations are recommended, but they’re accepting walk-ins as well.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.
