West Seattle food news: Barbecue signage; Greek additions

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The OK Corral barbecue joint (4417 Fauntleroy in the Triangle; map) opened two weeks ago without even switching signage (here’s our post-opening chat with owner Otis Austin) – but now that’s been remedied – first spotted it last night, got a pic while passing at noontime today. (The “grand opening” sign, however, is legacy from the previous tenant, who didn’t last long.) Also, just got word from West Seattleite Tracy Dart that Christo’s on Alki has added new menu items:

I wanted to pass along some info from my friends (and next-door neighbor) who own a
restaurant down on Alki. The Fotopoulos Family, owners of Christo’s on Alki, are starting their new Greek Menu tonight featuring Mama & Papa Fotopoulos’ traditional recipes from their home village in Pelopnese, Greece. Featuring Lamb Chops, Dolmathes, Moussaka, Pastitsio, Flamed Saganaki, Lemon Oregano Chicken and Potatoes – as well as Gyro & Souvlaki platters. They will continue to have their original menu (pizza’s, pasta, sandwiches & salads, etc.) available as well.

I’m excited to have another option for Greek Food in West Seattle, especially from a family who has been serving food in West Seattle since 1996. The entire family runs this place, and mama and papa live over the restaurant. Almost makes you think it’s how it would be back in the old country.

Tracy, by the way, is one of the West Seattle-residing blog authors whose sites are featured on our Blogs page – always the latest 100 entries from a pool of 100 West Seattle-based writers (we’ve been catching up with the latest requests to have sites added to this continuously, automatically updated page – please let us know if we’ve missed yours).

4thGenWestSider November 19, 2008 (5:20 pm)

Can’t wait to try the Greek food at Christo’s! I’m glad they are sharing it with us West Siders. Good time to think about supporting our West Seattle residents and businesses in these lean times!

cjboffoli November 19, 2008 (5:45 pm)

Anyone have any theories as to how the word “joint” became so common in describing BBQ restaurants?

Huindekmi November 19, 2008 (7:17 pm)

Would you prefer that we call it a “BBQ Bistro”?

Cheech November 19, 2008 (7:57 pm)

cj: Because it is better if you smoke one first!

que November 19, 2008 (7:58 pm)

cjboffoli – It is also true of pizza and burgers… Maybe informal dining lends itself to being a “joint”.

WSB November 19, 2008 (8:13 pm)

interesting question. i’ll have to look for a link. speaking of links, one of the bloggers on our Blogs page has a photo up from his OK Corral experience:
http://soundproofsuite1850.blogspot.com/2008/11/ok-corral-bbq-in-west-seattle.html

datamuse November 19, 2008 (8:45 pm)

cj: it’s a Southern thing. See also: juke joint (which is also where we get jukebox, if you were wondering).

cjboffoli November 19, 2008 (10:41 pm)

datamuse: I think you’re on to something. It may come somewhere out of the Southern, black experience. I’ve noticed Spike Lee has for a while been calling his film productions a “joint.”

cjboffoli November 19, 2008 (10:49 pm)

OK. Well i just took a quick look and it seems que is right too. The use of joint has something to do with the informality of BBQ. I guess it is senseless to be formal and eat BBQ. Unless of course you’re Scarlett O’Hara.
.
BTW, apparently ‘juke’ comes from the Gullah word ‘jook’ which means dance.

Rich November 20, 2008 (1:33 am)

I have been going to Christo’s on alki for several years now. Not only has the food and personal service been outstanding, it’s the warm feeling you always receive when you go there. The family has been serving food in West Seattle since 1996, starting with there first restaurant on California Ave ( Petros Pizza) They sold it several years back and moved down to Alki. I took the family down to try the much anticpated greek food. It was honetly the best greek food I have ever had. I had the lamb chops with dolmathes, greek salad, and a cup of the greek soup which were wonderful while my wife had the greek lemon orgegano chicken with greek potatoes that are prepared by Mama ( Owner). Another great thing about Christos is how it really caters to children. My kids had pita pizza and a kids gyro plate. The family is supported of all kids that come in. My kids even call Mama and Papa (owners) yia yia and pappou which is grandma and grandpa in greek. I recommend everyone to this place. It’s always nice to support a local family restaurant that gives so much back the west seattle community.

Eli November 20, 2008 (10:26 am)

I go to Christos off and on for breakfast and adore Mama, now I can’t wait to check out their greek food. I know what I am having for dinner tonight!

marty November 20, 2008 (11:16 am)

Christo’s is great! The food is always good and the family atmosphere is like nowhere else in West Seattle. It’s also a great place to stop for a nightcap. The late group in the bar reminds me of a “Cheers” episode…

Shell Marr November 20, 2008 (1:57 pm)

Shane & I have been going to Christo’s Pizza Pasta & Spirits for years and I’m so glad to see it finally hit the WSB!!

Mama and Papa are a kick….. Petro and Pete are wonderful…and you have to give Johnny a hard time for breakfast on the weekends. William who is not part of the family but is a hoot treats me like a princess! (inside joke). Never had a bad meal there! I’ve had some of Mama’s cooking (not off the menu) before so my mouth is watering just thinking about it!!

It IS like Cheers… we walk in there and they all say our names….and give hugs…wonderful family!

C.A. November 20, 2008 (2:20 pm)

I’d yet to try Christo’s, but with all these glowing recommendations, I’ll absolutely be taking the family there, soon. Thanks for the info, Tracy and WSB!

M&M November 20, 2008 (7:28 pm)

We had our wedding rehearsal dinner there last year. Petro and his family are absolutely wonderful people! They treated us so well. We need to get out there asap to try out the new menu items.

Tracy D. November 21, 2008 (9:32 am)

I finally got down to Christo’s last night – since I couldn’t make it on opening night – and got some of Mama’s Oregano chicken and Lemon potatoes. Heaven, I tell you! Mama, you have out done yourself…as usual.

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