like stepping back in time. what a great find! laine and i have strolled past granby bistro a zillion times. we had heard that the sandwiches were good but the salads just "okay" so we had steered clear. in our weekly pull of restaurants to review, granby bistro was the chosen one. how lucky were we that we chose it because the person who gave us the "okay" review on the place had to be mistaken. we were joined by our friend mandy, with whom we always have a lot of laughs and a great time. the bistro reminds me of little restaurants i have visited in new york city, quaint, the owner always there and everything is homemade. the cuisine is labeled mediterranean, but the menu has a good variety. there are salads, sandwiches, burgers and full entrees of salmon, chicken and a few cuts of meat. i ordered the chef salad with turkey. they have ham as an option as well. i thought it was nice not to have to ask for turkey instead of ham - customization was an option for once ('when harry met sally' again here). the house dressing is a traditional greek and was fantastic, some of the best i have had in a while. my water without ice request was even met on the refills. service was good, the food was good and the atmosphere was just right. prices are very reasonable. with tip, my meal was right around $10. you can't beat that with a hat! laine and i are super excited that we have a new, close place to visit. i am certain we will venture there again very soon. there is also a mean looking dessert case, where everything looks homemade and delicious. we might have to check that out one day too.
~alex
if you want a restaurant that specializes in modern interior design, where the tablecloths and napkins coordinate with the walls, ceiling and bathroom sink, this may not be the place for you. however, if you want a place that specializes in standard deli fare made with quality, fresh ingredients this place is a goldmine. walking in the front door is like stepping through a time warp that leads you back to the 1960's. i don't mean that in a negative way at all either. there is a certain charm to the interior that comes from the well maintained fixtures, furniture and appliances. there is one plant in the front window that has grown to the proportions of something straight out of "the little shop of horrors", but other than that it is cozy.
i am always on the lookout for a great greek salad. i lean towards the traditional style, not the haute cuisine that includes everything under the sun. i liked theirs. the vegetables were very fresh. as alex mentions, they have a dynamite house dressing, and put just the right amount of anchovies on top. mandy ordered the generously sized chicken salad sandwich. nice big chunks of fresh chicken, not swimming in mayonnaise, and again, traditional in preparation. she said it was good. no processed meats in this joint, which is refreshing.
there was a steady flow of people in and out. the server was busy but very attentive. the food came out quickly after ordering; keeping in mind that practically everyone in there is on a lunch 'hour'. granby bistro and deli is a no brainer for a quick and satisfying lunch downtown.
_laine
**i have to add that recently the service has really been poor at granby. they need more servers! twice in a row i've had to take my empty drink to the counter an beg for a refill. takes forever for someone to come get your order and once you are served, they only come back again with a bill. get more help!!!
_laine