• Flamed Saganaki $6.95 (shared)
• Greek Peasant Sampler $19.95

The Nicklow family has restaurant's down. They know how to attract people to their places. I have been to a few (that I know of) Shorewood, Nicklows (no longer open because of the new Hwy 100) and now Santorini. One thing they all have in common is this is a great place to come for multi generational good time. There are only a few places in the city that do the flaming anything anymore. I suppose it is expensive or there may be codes around it, I don't know, but it sure is great fun to watch. At Santorini they only had the flaming cheese, but at Nicklow's pretty much everything flamed it was great fun.

So, if I loved it so much, why then did I not give a great recommendation. In this case, I think they may have watered themselves down a bit too much. From the name, I would guess this is a Greek restaurant and I think it is supposed to be. However, they also have a large section of the menu devoted to italian and they have a pasta bar, which seemed to be very popular among the other people there.

My meal was ok, my sampler included Lamb Gyro, shrimp, Loukaniko sausage dolmades, Tzatziki, feta cheese, olives, pepper, spinach pie and pastichio en phyllo. It was great, because I got a good sampling of the greek portion of the menu. Everything was ok, nothing amazing and nothing disgusting, pretty much average. It also was not highly spiced which would be expected when you are trying to bring Greek to a large audience. What they do they do well, the place was packed by the time we left at 7pm. There were three multigenerational groups enjoying a holiday dinner right around us. It works for them.

• Shrimp Mikrolimano $16.95

Here are my top two Greek restaurants in the Twin Cities so far: Christo's and Gardens of Salonica, probably in that order because of a bad experience a friend had at the latter. I cannot recommend Santorini or the Shorewood, and Nicklow's is now closed (though all are part of the Nicklow's group).

The Flamed Saganaki was fun. The server set sizzling Greek Kasseri cheese on fire at the table. Unfortunately, I was at the restroom because I thought I had some time before the appetizer arrived. Renee said the flames shot up ten feet, searing the ceiling. The cheese itself tasted fine, nothing special, a little greasy, and maybe a little overpriced. The Shrimp Mikrolimano was o.k., with enough large shrimp, tomatoes, feta cheese, and angel hair pasta, to satisfy my appetite. But again, it seemed a little overpriced ($1 more than the on-line menu price).

Santorini will continue to be a popular restaurant. They have plenty of safe, American dishes. They don't take many chances on their menu, which will nearly ensure success.