CHICAGO -- Taste visited Venus, a Greek-Cypriot escape, perfect for Mediterranean lovers.

The owner of Venus, Costas Stylianou, ran down the menu to provide viewers with a sample of dishes that are quickly becoming restaurant favorites.

The restaurant specializes in a mix of cuisines from Cyrus, Greece, and Turkey.

Venus' staff members pride themselves on using new and unique spices that can’t be found on other Mediterranean menus.

First on the list, Costas described Saganaki Halloumi, a traditional grilled goat cheese dish from Cyprus ($7.25). Next, one of Venus’s most traditional dishes called Afelia, combines pork and spices and served with rice ($13.95).

What is a Mediterranean restaurant without a lamb dish? Venus slow cooks their lamb for six hours with specialty spices. The result is deliciously tender meat they call Kleftiko ($18.50).

For dessert, Baklava is a great choice for $4.00. Aside from the lamb, all food is made to order.

In addition to the wonderful food, Venus brings in many other treats from the Mediterranean such as wines from Cyprus.

Staff members encourage guests to try it all and return soon to enjoy another unique experience from this Greek Village enclave.

Ooopa!

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Venus Greek-Cypriot Cuisine
820 W. Jackson Boulevard
Chicago, Ill.
312/ 714-1001