Lunch Break: It Was Fate
Sampling dishes and diners in and around Miami County
By what can only be explained as divine intervention, the Planet Fitness on my way home from school was closed, and the delicious-smelling Gyro Max next door was wide open. There was no arguing with fate—I had to go in, and I was glad that I did.
Gyro Max is a tiny Mediterranean spot to grab a lunchtime bite to eat, located right in the bustling center of Riverside. I’ve actually noticed recently that a variety of Mediterranean-style restaurants are popping up in the Miami County and Dayton area, and I’m excited to see them. However, every time I’m about to eat a gyro, I have to remind myself that the perfect gyro is from Little Athens in Bucyrus. That being said, although it didn't quite match the perfection and nostalgia of Little Athens, Gyro Max is now a new close second on my list.
I ordered upon entering, but while I was waiting for my food to be ready, I was pleasantly surprised by the vibe of Gyro Max. The restaurant combined the fast food and diner experience, while adding a flair of Greek memorabilia. The booths give the atmosphere of a place where you could order to go or stop in for a quick lunch. That being said, the cute flowers, paintings, and pillars made for a place where you could also meet a friend to sit and chat, without feeling like you could’ve just hit up the Taco Bell across the street. The prices were also comparable to fast food, but with fresher ingredients and more care during preparation.
The difference between a place like Gyro Max and your run-of-the-mill fast food place is mostly in the ingredients. Although there was a bit of a lunch rush, and my order took a little longer than ideal, the end result was definitely worth it. I watched as my beef and lamb were cooked to crispy and savory perfection. Next, I stood drooling as it was placed onto a flaky bed of pita and layered with finely chopped fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and all of the gyro fixings.
When I received my gyro—steaming with a side of deliciously crunchy fries—the extra few minutes didn’t matter to me at all. The best part of a gyro is, of course, the cucumber sauce. Gyro Max’s sauce was a delicious cold contrast to the steaming meat. The creamy cucumber Tzatziki sauce mixed with crumbly Feta tied the gyro together deliciously, and I devoured every bite with an unfading smile.
Next time I plan for a trip to Planet Fitness, I think I’ll take my appetite with me. I won't be able to resist another trip to Gyro Max.
Gyro Maximus, 4884 Airway Road, Dayton.