Dish & Drink KC: Family-owned lunching at Páros Estiatorio and Best Regards

Páros Estiatorio lunch // Photo by Sarah Sipple

I’ve been trying to take my mom to Páros Estiatorio for over a year. We’ve had many lunch dates since, but this was the first time it was convenient for us both to meet here. I knew she would appreciate the modern Greek food and the chic atmosphere. The Mad Greek in Lawrence is one of her forever favorites. 

Owner Kozeta Kreka’s first restaurant, Cozy’s Cafe, closed earlier this spring, so all attention is on Páros. In fact, she came out to greet and check on all diners while we were there. Kreka and her son, Klaidi, draw inspiration from family recipes and Greek classics, specifically from Páros in The Cyclades islands. 

In the peacefully quiet restaurant, we started our lunch with sparkling water and an order of Crispy Zucchini Cakes ($15). These were larger than we expected, and the mint yogurt dressing was a sharp addition. The crispy but thin exterior held a melty, savory center. Surely there was zucchini in there, but I imagine this dish would be enjoyed by the staunchest veggie hater. 

Crispy Zucchini Cakes at Páros Estiatorio // Photo by Sarah Sipple

After the zucchini cakes, we shared a soup we were both looking forward to. (The apple didn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to excitedly scouring the menu ahead of time.) The Avgolemono Soup ($12) was a warm and thick traditional egg lemon soup, made with chicken and rice. As long as it’s paired with a salad or appetizer, this is hearty enough for a meal.

We also shared the Roasted Beet salad ($14) which was earthy and fresh. It featured tender multicolored beets, watercress, and pistachios. Goat cheese brightened up the sweeter flavors, and an edible flower adorned the top.

For what we considered our main course, we selected Chicken Souvlaki ($17). Chilean Sea Bass Skewers was tied for my vote, but I’ll just have to try that next time. The Chicken Souvlaki is similar to a kebab, but while kebabs generally have components marinated in olive oil, souvlaki is marinated in more acidic foundations such as vinegar or lemon juice. 

This translated to tender cubes of chicken, red pepper, and onion. It was flavorful enough on its own, but a dip in tzatziki is always a good idea. A large serving of patates tiganites (a thick-cut fry), side salad, and pita filled out the plate. Even when sharing this dish, we did not come near the end of the patates tiganites.

Mom left very pleased.

Paros Estiatorio is located at 10561 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206.

Best Regards lunch // Photo by Sarah Sipple

On this drizzly spring morning, I was in the Overland Park area before an appointment near Town Center. It was early enough in the day that I was open to breakfast or lunch items. I was ready to let the Best Regards Homestyle Bakery & Cafe menu speak to me.

The lunch menu was considerably more robust, plus it is served as soon as the doors open at 8 a.m. That’s a unique choice, but I respect it. We’ve all had brinner, or breakfast for dinner at some point, so why not try lunch for breakfast? I placed my order for a Pick ‘Em combo ($11.49) of a cup of chicken noodle soup and a turkey sandwich, plus a Cherry Pie Bar ($6.49). However, I had not yet enjoyed my daily cup (or two) of coffee, so I ordered it for $2.99 and was directed to a self-serve carafe. 

My sandwich–the focaccia, specifically–and the cherry pie bar stole the show, though I shouldn’t have been surprised given that it is a bakery. 

The chicken noodle soup was lacking salt, which is saying something if it’s coming from me. I’m not a very salty gal. The quality, though, was up there with my own grandma’s. Best Regards makes their own noodles, as well as broth, which invlovles a slow and steady 20-hour process. 

The turkey sandwich was a delight. The focaccia bread was truly perfect for this. It was airy, held together well, and offered a hint of flavors that complimented the turkey and veggies. There were no dressings, so the sandwich was on the drier side, but truly not dry. I was surprised, but the oil in the focaccia made it all work.

After eating every last morsel of my sandwich and soup, I moved on to the Cherry Pie Bar. In a place known for cookies this was an odd choice, but it called to me. 

I’m glad I answered, because while I could only finish half of the generous bar, it was excellent. Unlike a pie, there was more crust than filling, but that’s my preferred part. As expected for a bar, the bottom crust was thick and structurally stable. It was almost the star of the show but it did not leave the mouth dry and craving a drink. Homemade cherry pie filling topped the bar in a thin layer. And finally, a thin struesel topping helped hold the bar together and mimic the pie crust flavor without adding more bulk.

How soon is too soon to order another Cherry Pie Bar? 

As I enjoyed my lunch, owners Cherrie and Robert Duensing took over a booth. They planned for catering events between helping customers and occasionally sought input from a young employee. The Duensings spoke with confidence in knowing their customer base. Having been in the baking biz for over 20 years, and with their hospitality/gift experience going back to 1993, they are surely a wealth of homestyle wisdom.

Best Regards is located at 6759 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66209.