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LIBERTYVILLE – From time to time, the Lake County Journal Mystery Diner gets tips about outstanding restaurants that he or she should cover.
Such was the case with Fodrak’s in Libertyville.
An e-mail came to the Journal mentioning Fodrak’s award-winning gyros and upcoming 23rd anniversary, which will be celebrated Tuesday, Dec. 7 – Pearl Harbor Day.
Ready to find out what Fodrak’s was all about, the Mystery Diner headed to the Libertyville eatery during Thanksgiving weekend.
The diner was not disapointed.
After learning that Fodrak’s had earned accolades for its gyro sandwich, ordering off of the menu was a no-brainer.
The diner ordered the gyro sandwich for $5.29 and a medium drink for $1.79.
The companion of the diner opted for a chicken-leg lunch with rice, cole slaw and potatoes for $4.45. He also ordered a medium drink, and we both ordered a piece of baklava for $2.99.
We seated ourselves after placing our order and while waiting, I noticed that Fodrak’s was clean, bustling with people and seemed to have a real community feel.
A flat-screen TV and plaques featuring local youth athletic teams hung on the walls. The staff was hustling to make sure orders were served in a timely fashion.
Our food sure came out quickly enough.
I immediately dug into my gyro sandwich and – yes! – this was the best gyro dish I'd had in a long time.
The sauce was tasty and plentiful, and the gyro meat was tender.
At the other end of the table, my companion had many words of praise for his meal, which he thought tasted great and was well worth the price.
We also raved about the baklava, which was sweet and delicious.
Of course, Fodrak’s boasts a full menu of sandwiches, Greek food and other items.
On the restaurant’s anniversary, customers will be able to order the same gyro sandwich I ate for the price it sold for 23 years ago – $2.89.
A raffle also is taking place for a riding cooler. The winner of the raffle will be announced Super Bowl Sunday.
Whether stopping by for a quick bite or catering a meal for many people, Fodrak’s has customers covered.
Want to take a sneak peak?
The restaurant’s menu is available online at www.fodraks.com.
• The Lake County Journal Mystery Diner feature sends a staff reporter to local eateries of all kinds. The diner’s identity is not revealed to the restaurant staff before or during the meal. Diners visit a different restaurant each week and then report on the experience. Contact the diner at lcjedit@lakecountyjournal.com.