ACROPOLIS
Address: 2213 Hamilton Place Blvd.Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.Phone: 423-899-5341
Irene Alyssa Newton, a server at Acropolis. (Photo by Mark Gilliland)When people think of Greece, they often think of two things: big families and lamb dishes. And at Acropolis Mediterranean Grill, these are accurate associations. Family-owned for over 20 years, Acropolis specializes in family tradition and, of course, lamb.
“My kids grew up teething on lamb bones,” joked Nick Kyriakidis, co-owner of the restaurant.
The reason lamb is so popular in Greece, said Nick, is twofold. First, the landscape of the country is rocky and better suited to sheep than to cows. Second, he said, lamb has important religious affiliations. In Christianity, it is a symbol of peace and purity – which is why lamb is traditionally served for Easter dinner.
Easter season or not, Acropolis offers a list of lamb dishes every day. For causal dining, the restaurant offers lamb burger or gyro, either of which is served with customer’s choice of side. Or, for a more upscale experience, try the lamb lollipops, braised lamb shank, lamb chops or new lamb meatballs served over pasta.