Sierra Madre is a charming small community just northeast of
Arcadia. It is probably best known for the annual Wisteria festival
held in the spring when busloads of visitors come to see the largest
blossoming plant in the world and one of the seven horticultural wonders
of the world that was planted in 1894.
But that is not the only reason to visit Sierra Madre, the Sierra
Madre Playhouse is also well-known by theater goers for their fine
productions, which is one of the main reasons my husband and I frequent
the community. Recently, while attending a play at the
Playhouse, we dined at Corfu Restaurant, which is recently under new
ownership.
The new owners, Vic and Amy Satamian and Raffi Fournouzian,
are serving up delicious homemade Mediterranean food all day.
Amy’s mother, Rose, is a familiar face at the La Cañada Flintridge
Bank of America, where she works as a teller. Corfu offers traditional
American breakfasts, including Belgian waffles, pancakes, omelets,
eggs Benedict and oatmeal, served from 7-11 a.m., Monday through
Friday, and until 1 p.m. on the weekends. Lunch service is from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m. and features a lovely variety of hot or cold sandwiches,
salads and soups.
The special lunch plates — served with hummus, tabbuleh, onionparsley
mix, rice pilaf and pita bread — include such entrees as beef,
lamb, or chicken kebab, pastitso (macaroni casserole with ground
beef), moussaka (eggplant casserole) and stuffed cabbage. The dinner
menu features a nice assortment of Mediterranean appetizers, including
dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), cheese boreg (pan fried cheese in
pastry) Kofta (minced beef, onions and pinenuts in a wheat crust) and
Spanakopita (spinach pie in baked filo dough).
The combination platter gives you a wonderful sampling of
assorted appetizers and is always a good way to become familiar with
the Mediterranean cuisine. This serving is so generous by adding a
nice Greek salad, you will have a delicious light meal. The salads at
Corfu are also interesting and not the usual offerings. The Fattoush
Salad with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, parsley,
fresh mint and toasted pita bread is delicious.
The Raya’s salad is a combination of diced chicken, lettuce, cheddar
cheese, scallions, corn and avocado served with a salsa and Greek
house dressing that is fresh and exciting. The wonderful homemade
main entrees (all made to order) include pastas, seafood, poultry and
meats.
My favorite is the Lula kebab with seasoned ground beef, but I
also like the flame-broiled filet mignon kebab that is tender and succulent.
The shawarma (marinated beef, broiled and served with
onions, tomatoes in a tahini sauce) is hard to resist. For lamb lovers,
don’t pass up the rack of lamb. Also delicious is the chicken with
pesto and, for cheese lovers, try the Roquefort chicken.
For a fish entrée, consider the poached mussels, blackened snapper
or the shrimp Diane. To finish you meal, enjoy the Greek coffee
that is so rich and flavorful. There is a variety of homemade fresh pastries
for dessert to complement your coffee.
At Corfu, you can eat in or order take-out. They also cater. There
is a back room for private parties and some sidewalk tables for dining
al fresco. I enjoyed the homemade food at this restaurant and appreciated
that it was all prepared to order, not pre-made and reheated, as
is so often the case. I also enjoyed the friendly service and the warm
welcome from the owner, Vic. If you venture to Sierra Madre, plan to
eat at Corfu Restaurant and enjoy some delicious homemade
Mediterranean food.
The restaurant is small, so I advise reservations. To make reservations
or to order take-out, call (626) 355-5993.
Read “Heads Up!” and more restaurant reviews and chef interviews
at www.columnsfromstauffer.com
Vic Satamian is co-owner of Corfu Restaurant, which specializes
in homemade Mediterranean dishes. 