Being Greek and cooking Greek, my standards are high. Eleni's does the job and then some. You've got some fine traditional fare, like dolmathes and mousaka and spanakopita, but also some nifty Cretan dishes in tapas style. I loved the meatballs and the calamari (refreshingly broiled), and the tzatziki and skordalia were a delite. The Minoan salad is not to be missed, and I like it that they don't drown it in feta. The gigantes (beans) were great, and my companion was wowed by the rabbit. Service was friendly, prompt and unstuffy, and though I see some folks have said it's slow...well, good things do take time. Munch on the cabbage salad with almonds, roast paprika and a little lemon while you sip some Santorini wine and decide on what else to order. It's fine to eat slowly. Oh, and the sauce on the shrimp appetizer is scrumptuous and subtle.\r
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I think what would make Eleni's offerings even better would be some specials where you could choose 3 or 4 items from specified groups of food and get a glass of wine or two for a set price. as at TABLA. Also, since we're talking Oregon, why not feature some locally grown lamb or veggies (the spanakorizo (spinach and rice) is mahvelous)? Deserts could offer more seasonal fruit as an alternative to baklava (a little dry, needs more marinating in honey). But this is a great place to share your eats and sample in an unrushed atmosphere
Pros: tasty appetizers, calamari, lamb, veggies
Cons: deserts
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