Though the name of the restaurant is misleading, Dorian’s Gourmet Pizza and Deli does not sell entirely pizza or Greek food. Rather, it’s a happy gray area that groups several different tastes into one restaurant, making Dorian’s an excellent selection for a lunch or dinner with friends who may not be able to agree on exactly what type of food the group should eat.

American favorites like curly fries meet Greek delicacies like breaded mushrooms at Dorian’s and the portions at Dorian’s are just large enough to satisfy any amount of hunger, and then some. Even with simple selections, like sandwiches, they are packed with just enough toppings to give a person with a big appetite what it’s asking for. Here’s a rundown of some of Dorian’s signature sandwiches:

Hera: Off the ‘Twelve Greek God’ menu, which has specialty Greek sandwiches, the ‘Hera’ is served on either a rye or wheat roll and is packed with turkey, melted provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and topped off with Italian dressing. While the sandwich was filling, it seemed like something was missing. More dressing or a variation of spices would have completed the taste.

Chicken tender sandwich: Found on the Italian specialties portion of the menu, this sandwich was basically, a portable chicken Parmesan. It had chicken strips, marinara sauce and shredded Parmesan cheese. The simple flavors created a yummy twist on a classic dish. For days that require more food to make up for empty feelings, this sandwich would be ideal because it’s a recipe that most people are familiar with.

Hummus and grilled chicken wrap: The chicken, while tender and succulent, lacked some seasoning. The hummus was also a bit heavy, so I recommend that you request it on the side to prevent a dominating taste. All in all the combination of the two was delicious, but much like the ‘Hera,’ it tasted a bit bland.

In addition to the sandwiches, other food options include pizza, burgers, endless sandwiches, wraps and sides. Here are some of the most mentionable side dishes:

Cajun fries: The fries menu at Dorian’s is actually vast, offering regular French fries, Cajun fries, curly fries and fries with an array of toppings. The different varieties of fries are a testament to Dorian’s wide variety of food options. The Cajun fries in particular were topped with an Old Bay-type seasoning, adding a flavorful zest to an otherwise standard side dish.

Breaded mushrooms: For those who don’t mind taking a chance with their food, the breaded mushrooms merge two completely different tastes and textures – mushrooms and fried food – to create a light snack. Marinara-type sauce was provided on the side, adding to the complexity and taste of the overall dish.

Pizza: Dorian’s pizza was amazing. The crust was thick and crispy while the sauce was sweet, it was the perfect pizza.

With a convenient location in the heart of the Westcott community, the low-key atmosphere and affordable prices (about $7-$10 for a full meal) are other reasons to go to Dorian’s. Outdoor seating is available for the days when the weather is obedient. Dorian’s is also on campusfood.com, which is great for when the winter sets in.

kaoutram@syr.edu

Published on September 22, 2009 at 12:00 pm