Lamb-Beef Gyro. . . and, yes, it’s as good as it looks!
A Greek Oasis in Downtown Clayton
If you can’t take a Mediterranean cruise this winter, at least give your taste buds a Grecian holiday. If you live or work in Clayton, you have a splendid new place in which to indulge you fantasy vacation. The city now has its one and only Greek restaurant—Katerina’s located on Bonhomme.
It’s easy to find. If you remember where Copia was and Morton’s before that, you will recognize the space. The new downtown taverna is the culmination of more than 40 years in the restaurant business for Crist Dubis (Stouffers, Mayfair, maitre’d at Al Baker’s, onetime co-owner of Missouri Bar & Grille).
A Family Venture
Today Crist is joined by an array of family members, including his wife, Tracy, son, sister-and mother-in-law . One person sadly missing, is memorialized in the restaurant’s name, their daughter, Katherine. The 23-year-old was struck by a car four years ago when leaving a Blues game. The memorial on the entry wall pays tribute to her life.
The memorial wall in honor of their daughter, Katherine.
More family: Crist Dubis and our server Gabrielle. Interestingly, Tracy Dubis, who holds forth in the kitchen is Irish, while Crist is the Greek member of the family.
Cyndy and I stopped in Katerina’s for lunch recently and two days later, Russ and I grabbed a bite. Both times I had the lamb-beef gyro. I try not to be boring with my menu selections, but it was so doggone good. The pita bread is especially light and you don’t always find that in a gyro.
But wait there’s more. There’s 40-some items on the menu, including appetizers, dips, gyros, wraps, salads, sandwiches, meats and seafood. Below is just a sampling of the Dubis family delights.
Sliced Fried Zucchini with Tzatziki Sauce
Village Salad
The dolmas—rice filled grape leaves—are as good as I’ve found anywhere.
Katerina’s checks a lot of gastronomic boxes: pleasant atmosphere, comfortable seating, friendly servers, and excellent food quickly served. Parking was less of a problem than you might expect at that time of day. Come warm weather, there’s a nicely covered and walled outdoor seating area.
Until then, you can eat indoors and listen to the 21st century version of the old jukebox or play a game of Jenga with wooden blocks. That’s all okay, but frankly, I don’t want anything to take my mind off the pure joy of Katerina’s food.
Pita and hummus
Don’t miss these light, addictive Greek donuts called Loukoumades. Only made by Ya-Ya on Friday and Saturday and cooked to order.
Katerina’s Greek. 7822 Bonhomme in Clayton. Open: Mon-Thu 11a-9p; Fri 11a-10p; Sat 4p-10p. Closed Sunday. Happy Hour: 4p-7p. Owners: Tracy and Crist Dubis.
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