By Suzanne Parker
Corfu Grill is easy to miss if you're not looking for it. It occupies a second story space on a double-decker row of stores on Austin Street. Its decor is modest, but then so are its prices. Its service is friendly and caring.Corfu Grill, is named for the birthplace of owner Georgios Aspiotis. Predictably, it offers Greek specialties and the usual range of grilled meats such as souvlaki, gyro, and the like in pita-encased sandwiches or on a plate with all the trimmings. Their most formidable sandwich is the “Corfu” which comes with your choice of meat, olives, fries (yes, in the sandwich), lettuce, tomato and a choice of red or tzatziki sauce. It is a veritable Greek “Dagmar,” for those of you who remember. There is no way you'll leave hungry after a “Corfu.” It's pretty tasty as well.The appetizers are typically Greek offerings, supplemented by popular favorites like Buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks. If you are ordering one of their plates or grill specialties, you probably don't need any appetizers, as they all come with tzatziki and pita for dipping, and a Greek salad. Tzatziki, by the way, is the delicious Greek yogurt-based dip made with cucumber, dill, and plenty of garlic. Of course, the appetizers do make good snacks if you're just looking for something light. The standout of the appetizers is stuffed calamari. That really rocks. The calamari is stuffed with feta cheese, herbs, tomato and pine nuts, and is grilled. Not only was it a pleasure to eat calamari in a way other than batter-fried, for a change, but the combination of flavors captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking. This size of dish is daunting as an appetizer for one, so think about sharing.The entrees are also typical Greek fare. The choices of various grilled meats and kebabs, broiled or fried shrimp or sole, and homey Greek mousaka or pastichio. As mentioned earlier, all main dishes are preceded by tzatziki and pita triangles for nibbling, and Greek salad. The moussaka, layers of creamy custard, ground lamb and eggplant, was perfectly balanced and fresh. Great comfort food for a cold night. The gyro platter, as abundant as the other offerings, was served with rice, mixed vegetables, and lemon potato. The meat was flavorful, but overly salty. Desserts are limited to baklava with vanilla ice cream or galactobouriko (custard pastry with honey). We found the desserts to be a poor investment of calories. Cloyingly sweet, but lacking the refinement and depth of flavor that makes for great Greek pastries. The Bottom LineCorfu Grill is for eating rather than dining. Their prodigious portions of competently prepared Greek specialties can satisfy any size appetite. Georgios Aspiotis plans to add fresh Greek-style grilled fish to his menu soon. On weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. there is an Early Bird Special of soup, coffee, and dessert included with entrees. Corfu Grill70-17 Austin St. 718-263-6263Cuisine: Greek Setting: Small, unpretentious Service: Friendly and attentive Hours: Lunch and dinner daily Reservations: NoParking: StreetDress: CasualChildren: WelcomeAlcohol: Beer and wineTakeout: Yes, free deliveryCredit cards: Yes Handicap Access: Yes. Outside elevator to second levelRecommended Dishes:Stuffed CalamariÉ$9.55Corfu SandwichÉ$6.50Gyro PlateÉ$10.30MousakaÉ$11.95
