Classic Greek nosh in Park Ex

In business in Park Extension for 30 years, Village Grecque is close to being the archetype of the perfect souvlaki joint. The menu has exactly what you'd expect and does not descend into offering "mets Canadiens" or poutine. The restaurant, decorated with a mixture of Greek travel posters and souvenirs and memorabilia of local luminaries, not forgetting the signed photo of Bill Haugland (CFCF was just around the corner for decades), has brisk but friendly service. There's always a TV on near the cash, but which of us can claim never to have eaten at a place with a television on?

And the food is good. I am a fan of their basic chicken pita. The chicken's always tender, marinated and broiled and cut into in generous chunks, dressed with tomatoes and onions and with a good shot of tzatziki for sauce. It's one of those perfectly balanced combinations of flavours, needing nothing else.

Or, if you want to be more adventurous and have a dining companion, order up calamari and a Greek salad. Fried calamari are one of those things you've got to eat up quickly and on the spot – the crispiness won't survive delivery. Squeeze on a little lemon juice and tuck in, or order up some tzatziki for dippers if you like.

There are lots more grilled meat things available and a selection of the usual Greek entrées like spanakopita, dolmadakia and kopanisti. The resto has a licence but no espresso machine. Delivery in the general area.