Artopolis Bakery and Cafe paints a masterpiece with Greek cuisine

Greektown Chicago is celebrating Greek Independence Day all month long in March and the way to anyone's heart is through food. While it is only the second year for the community to gather for Greektown Restaurant Week March 1-7, the festivities will surely be a longstanding tradition.

The Greektown area is located in the Near West Side of Chicago and has something for everyone including restaurants, nightclubs and many places to shop. Parking can be tricky there these days so plan ahead or use the valet service that is sometimes offered for convenience.

Artopolis Bakery and Cafe is truly iconic and located at 306 S. Halsted Street. The massive space has two floors for people watching at the windows and a large bar to supplement the variety of drinks on the menu. If you like your drinks thick, Greek coffee is the choice for you!

Upon entering diners will notice the glass counters packed full of goodness with plenty of dessert offerings. Nearby is a healthy amount of packaged goods to take home ranging from cooking ingredients to homemade bread.

Begin your mouth-watering journey by starting with a classic Horiatiki Greek country salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese and Kalamata olives in a red wine vinaigrette. The Greek chicken lemon rice soup is light but filling at the same time and is a match to pair with the salads offered.

The Artopita is the next item to try and is simply stuffed with deliciousness. This flaky puff pastry can contain anything from chicken, ham and portobello mushrooms to spinach and feta.

The desserts presented in the place are unforgettable. The baklava is a sweet treat made with walnuts, pistachios and almonds. Combine that with some chocolate cake that is not only gluten-free but thick and satisfying.

The month of celebrations ends on Friday, March 25 with a virtual event rerun from last year's 200th anniversary on social media channels.

Look for a Taste of Greektown to return to the area for the 31st time on August 26-28, 2022.

Visit GreektownChicago.org for further information about future happenings, opa!