One of these warm evenings you should cruise over to The Kabob House and grab a seat on the enclosed patio. 

Here’s what awaits you: the sun softly filtered by dense foliage of grape leaves overhead, and as day fades, the gentle glow of lights strung throughout the vines. Greek folk music floats in the background while a friendly, poised server brings a glass of water (or wine). The world outside the walls slowly drifts away as you sip some Savatiano (“My Big Fat Greek Wine”) or Retsina, a uniquely Greek white wine that’s traditionally stored in containers sealed with pine resin.

Take gastronomic inspiration from the vines overhead and order dolomathes, grape leaves stuffed with seasoned ground lamb and rice. This dish (and nearly every other one) is accompanied by tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce dotted with dill and cucumber.

As an entrée, you could try the garlic chicken or the lamb souvlaki. The chicken is grilled over hot coals and served on a bed of rice with pita triangles and garlic mayo, making for a toothsome and filling meal; the souvlaki consists of marinated lamb skewered with just-seared bell peppers and onions, plated over rice with pita and tzatziki. You can’t go wrong with either offering. Next time I think I’ll order the moussaka or pastitso—two types of casserole that sound like something a Greek grandma would make from scratch on a Sunday afternoon.

Baklava with Briki

 As you finish off the last of your pita and tzatziki (and trust me, it’s so good you will finish it!), don’t forget to save a tiny corner of your stomach for dessert. I recommend the baklava—which is a square of flaky and buttery filo pastry on top of chopped nuts that have been soaked in honey syrup—and a briki (traditional brass pot) of dark Greek coffee that’s rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. 

Some research suggests Greek coffee could help you to live longer because of its heart-healthy properties…the elixir of life perhaps? Fact or fiction, I’ll definitely be heading back to The Kabob House for another relaxing meal under the vines.

—Jeremy B. Neely

The Kabob House, 648 East Bidwell Street, Folsom, 916-983-6619.