Stockton

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  Given the number of years this operation has been in in business its discouraging to see the evolution has not really turned into a Greek bistro as the name suggests. Rather a collection of multiple style cuisines recycled from years past menus now served at a Lincoln center location.
  
  The menu is a collaborative collection of  best selling offerings, rather than the creative mind of a true bistro or bistro chef. Hence its really hard to call this place a bistro.  Much of the menu goes back to the mid 1990's or earlier, incorporating its former menu and style when it was located on Pacific avenue
  
  Appetizers:
  Elements of traditional Greek flair can be seen mostly in the appetizers, the lightly breaded   flambeed  Kaseri cheese with liqueur  and a touch of lemon served with warm pita bread a classic.  The portion however is very large . Recall its a appetizer so plan on having a large diner party if ordering. Its  traditionally served with a  warm Opa!  which the wait staff can make very fun or rather cheesy.
  Soup/Salad
  The traditional Greek Lemon Soup  usually nice particularly with the colder weather
  and a small cup should be tried if you have never tasted this style of thickened soup.
  
  The entrees? Here there is a major problem.  The recycled menu is beyond boring lacking the skill and creativity of a true bistro chef. Elements of past chefs work can be seen Hodge Podge thrown together with the addition of red potatoes which is hardly Greek . There is no saucing technique which would be classified as bistro quality. The lack of fresh fish and or more traditional Greek seafood extremely disappointing given the industries new abilities to deliver fresh seafood.
  
  Given the vast wine list the establishment offers its clear there is no real chef working here. The Service staff also is not educated on proper wines to serve with the entrees which is troubling as the establishment offers wine tasting events.
  
  Cuts of Lamb a Greek stable are offered with the lamb chops probably the best selection offered in the house. Their popular so at times they run out . If you plan on ordering the lamb chops ask your server to reserve portions immediately when seated. The entree is one of the higher priced items so your server will make every effort to ensure your order confirmed.  Asking to reserve portions in advance also a possibility.
  
  Desserts:  There are traditional Greek choices to leave some room for. There unique and a fun finish without getting the overly full feeling.
  
  Wines/Bar: The Wine list  has excellent choices with the reds more complete than the whites and a few surprising choices not typically found in Stockton.
  
  Service: Unpredictable given the staffing. A wide range in education of the service staff with many clearly inexperienced or unable to handle busy nights.
  If visiting on the weekend for dinner place reservation to get a table suited to your needs as well.  A quieter intimate dinner or a lets watch the chefs work view can both be accommodated.
  
  Overall view:  There are excellent wines and appetizers however the majority of the entrees are very questionable  particularly given the educated wine list.  It shows the ownership unwilling to pay for a real bistro caliber chef instead reruns the same menu which the older wealthier Greek community has come to expect.  Its sad because there is so much potential lost here and the ownership is not rookies to the business.  If you have a set dollar amount for diner this probably isn't the right choice.
  
  Still one of the better dining choices in Stockton as the area is flooded with corporate restaurants that kill the concept of dinning. The food is hand made and the wine list is excellent so for those reason  a overall B to B- ranking

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  Posted on 02.27.13 William L.

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  Live! at Lincoln Center. Awkward but somehow the name of this review has morphed into "Stockton"-How is it that these things happen on yelp?
  Oh, well...... This event happens every third Friday night in the Summer at Lincoln center from 6-9pm.  This Friday Night Live!  boasted a wine stroll.  $15 for a glass(complete w/the Lincoln Ctr branding) and an opportunity to taste at local wineries set up in the different stores throughout the center.  What a brilliant marketing scheme Lincoln Center!  All the merchants get plenty of foot traffic, free drawings galore for participants, and you get to see folks you haven't seen in ages!  Guaranteed-you will run into someone you know-like it or not! lol
  If you are not familiar with Valley wineries, here are the many that were represented at the wine stroll last nite!
  Harmony Wynelands, Barsetti Vineyards, Peirano Estate Vineyards, St. Jorge Winery, Peltier Station, Borra Vineyards, Mokelumne Glen Vineyards, The Dancing Fox Winery, Fiscalini Cheese Co., Papapavlo's Bistro & Bar, Weibel Family Vineyards & Winery, Sorelle Winery, Dancing Coyote Wines, VanRuiten Family Vineyards, Harney Lane Winery,Bozzano Olive Oil, Barefoot Wine.
  I've learned that we should eat first and then taste; tonight due to hunger, we missed many opportunities to sample the plethora of local wines available at the event.
  I look forward to more Friday Nights Live at Lincoln Center! In August there will be a benefit car show!

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  Posted on 06.18.11 Maureen G.

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