Santorini Greek Cuisine, DeLand, Florida

Here’s another Florida post, this one from our Senior Central Florida and Maine Wilderness Correspondent, Kathy Card, whom you met here. Kathy recently went to one of her favorites, Santorini in DeLand, just a bit north of Orlando. It’s a modest detour if you’re peeling off I-95 to get to Orlando, and it’s near Sanford, the terminus of Amtrak’s Auto Train. DeLand was settled in the 1880s and named after Henry DeLand, the baking soda king. It’s the site of Stetson College, founded by the hat baron of that name, and was the home of notables including Buckminster Fuller and Chipper Jones. Here’s Kathy’s report —

Yasou!!

Santorini Greek Cuisine at 136 North Woodland Blvd is a must when visiting DeLand. I have been going there for many years and have always had an excellent experience. I was raised in a Greek family and know authentic Greek cuisine well, so I’m a tough critic.

Santorini is owned by Manny and Agata Politis. Manny grew up on the small  remote Greek Island of Psara in the Aegean Sea, came to the United States, and opened Santorini fourteen years ago.  He learned how to cook from his yia yia (grandmother) and uses many of the same recipes today.You will usually find Agata working alongside her cooks and servers.

As my Papou used to say, ” If you want success, always have someone in the family at the restaurant.”

Our attentive server immediately brought a plate of soft pita served with a savory mixture of olive oil, garlic,herbs, and spices.

The traditional Greek salad arrived on a bed of lettuce with tomato wedges,  cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and of course, an olive oil, lemon, garlic salad dressing. 

I always order the Athenian Chicken, stuffed with a blend of feta, spinach, onions, and spices.  The side dish of roasted lemon potatoes was a delicious and zesty accompaniment.

My husband ordered a gyro, teaming with tender lamb and beef slices, onions, tomatoes, and tzasiki sauce (a blend of yogurt, garlic, and spices). He remarked it was “the best gyro he’s ever had.”

Although we passed on the many homemade Greek desserts today, their baklava has been a favorite of mine, with just the right amount of honey and walnuts layered with crisp filo dough.

My children always loved seeing the saganaki, which is pan-fried cheese flamed with ouzo.

We’re already looking forward to our next visit to Santorini on the way to the coast

Doesn’t that food look good? All of it! And the country in central Florida is lovely, full of greenery, lakes, and live oaks draped in Spanish moss. And the older towns — and in Florida, the late 19th century is really old — have a special feel that can be a welcome relief from the booming cities, and DeLand boasts a large collection of 19th century buildings and lots of live oaks. A family-run restaurant like Santorini is equally welcome among the chains. The area is worth a side trip, and if you’re anywhere near DeLand, definitely give Santorini a try. Tell them Kathy sent you.

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