If there’s such thing as ‘souvlaki art’, then Kalimera in Oakleigh has definitely nailed it. Pork gyros is Greece’s signature souva and that’s what owner Thomas Deliopoulos has introduced to the Melbourne market.
Using only the finest virgin olive oil, freshly cut tomato and onion, crunchy chips and homemade tzatziki sauce on the char-grilled soft pita, he’s creating the dreamiest Greek street-food wraps. The pita is handmade at a local Greek bakery, the salads locally produced, the herbs picked from the family’s garden and the oregano is imported from Greece.
‘Fresh will always be the best’ is Kalimera’s motto, which has them selling several thousands of gyros souvlaki each week, with most of those being pork “in a country where people eat lamb”.
Even though Deliopoulos was initially warned against using pork as a main speciality, he decided to go with his instinct and his family’s long tradition in farming and pig-breeding back in northern Greece.
The Greek joint also offers mouth-watering chicken gyros alongside the classic kalamaki skewers and some very tasty kebabs.
Now, having just celebrated Kalimera’s fourth anniversary, the owners are ready to expand their take on Hellenic cuisine, opening up Mykonos Tavern as an extension to their business.
Thomas and his wife Sylvia Gabriel, who is also the photographer responsible for the artwork at Kalimera, have designed and set up a cosy eatery for traditional mezedes and home-cooked specials to be enjoyed with a glass of rakomelo or tsipouro and live music in the background. What’s best about it is that the backyard-like venue will make you think you have somehow been beamed to Greece.
Where: 41 Chester St. Oakleigh, VIC
For more information, visit www.kalimerasouvlakiart.com.au or call (03) 9939 3912.