Nothing quite says it’s summertime like firing up the grill, and there aren’t many restaurants in town that know how to prepare freshly grilled meats any better than Meráki Greek Grill.
With five locations across Las Vegas and Henderson, including one on Blue Diamond and Buffalo, Meráki Greek Grill is known for its expertly grilled meats. Showcasing a chef-driven Mediterranean menu influenced by the traditional Greek roots of its Founder, Jerry Goumroian, and Executive Chef/Partner, Nikos Georgeousis, the relaxed restaurant offers a variety of meats that are grilled to perfection — from Premium Australian Lamb Chops to Steak Kalamakia (skewers) made with Nebraska Gold filet mignon.
“To achieve the best grilling results, it’s important to use quality meats, keep your marinade simple and use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook the meat,” Georgeousis replied when asked about any at-home grilling tips. “My favorite cuts of meat to grill during the summer are lamb chops, pork chops, and ribeye because they are easy and quick to grill. You’ll be able to enjoy your meal and entertain your family and friends rather than having to be by the grill for an extended period of time.”
Georgeousis noted that some of the most common grilling mistakes people tend to make are picking the wrong meats to grill and not having the grill hot enough to cook their meats efficiently and thoroughly. Additionally, some chefs don’t season their meats enough — although more seasoning doesn’t always mean more flavor.
“I prefer to keep my seasonings simple when grilling to not disturb the meat,” Georgeousis stated. “My essentials are sea salt, pepper, and oregano. You want those flavors to come through but not be overpowering.”
To give your meat a Greek twist, Georgeousis recommends adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano. That’s the advice he follows often, as Meráki’s grilled meats are seasoned simply with lemon, olive oil, and oregano.
For those who would rather leave the grilling to the professionals, guests can savor Meráki’s grilled meats in various ways, including in a gyro. The eatery also serves an assortment of refreshing desserts perfect for the summer months, like scratch-made Baklava Ice Cream.
“Cooking, in general, is a part of Greek culture,” Georgeousis concluded. “We enjoy bringing people together, and there’s no better way to do that than surrounded by great food!”
HOURS: Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed Monday)
LOCATION: 8015 Blue Diamond Road
WEBSITE: www.merakigreekgrill.com