FOOD REVIEW
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF GRK STREET
GRK Street
This new fast-casual restaurant brings authentic flavor to town BY STEPHANIE GIBSON LEPORE Dubbed the “Taziki’s Test Kitchen,” GRK Street is a concept from Taziki’s Mediterranean Café founder Keith Richards that opened last summer on Valleydale Road in the Inverness area. Years ago, after a trip to Greece with his wife, Amy, Keith returned to Birmingham with a dream to infuse Birmingham with the flavors they experienced in the Mediterranean. Now, after Covid curbside Keith’s newest endeavor is GRK Street, inspired by the fast-paced street food of downtown Athens. Flavorful Greek cuisine delivers a twist on the popular dishes of the country’s vibrant street scene: sizzling grills, pulsing music, happy chatter, satisfied stomachs. Though the concept is centered around family meal takeout, the restaurant does offer seating beneath café string lights, surrounded by the cool blues of the Mediterranean and colorful photos of Keith, Amy, and their family on trips to their 28 Bham Family February 2022
GRK STREET 5291 Valleydale Road (205) 383-3193 Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m –9 p.m.
favorite country. The most important part of the restaurant, however, is the consistently delicious food. Classic appetizers like hummus, spicy feta dip, and Grecian veggie falafel are popular options. Follow up with a flavorful entrée: gyros—chicken, lamb, beef, veggie—sandwiches and roll-ups featuring seasoned pork, lamb, and even plantbased burger, or a hearty Village Bowl. Choose a base—Greek or beet salad—add a protein, and enjoy with Mediterranean rice or the signature seasoned fries. Actually, be sure to grab a side of the GRK fries no matter what you order, and CONTINUED ON PAGE 29
