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Areopagus: Casual but Classy
by Mike Davis
"Nestled between the tattoo parlor and beauty shop"
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Nestled between the tattoo parlor and barbershop on Main Street in the small town of Mars Hill is Areopagus, a name derived from the Greek words meaning "Mars Hill". Since its beginning in early March it has raised the standard for quality and class of local businesses. Owner Dino Pappas, from Charlotte, bought the spot after a friend told him about it.
Dino has previously operated the "East Village Grill" and other downtown Asheville establishments. "All were very successful," says Dino.
Pappas holds a degree in accounting and learned to cook and experiment through day jobs as a dishwasher. Areopagus was founded with loving help from family and friends. The Mars Hill Theater department and chief of police also helped. The chief of police, David Lewis, helped design the interior by completing carpentry work and finishing details on tables, chairs, and the hardwood floor. The theater department supplied sandwich pressers, plates, and general silverware.
"We're all working together to progress and expand on Mars Hill as a town," explains Pappas. What he and other business owners would like to see is a small town turn into a thriving area. Currently Areopagus is advertised on local television in Yancey County. Future plans may include highway billboards.
The place where dream dishes are made!
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The aroma of fresh pasta and sandwiches tingles the senses as you sit inside. Sounds of frying pans containing grease and running water fill the ears as you look at the menu. Areopagus specializes in Greek, Italian, and American dishes. Wiener Schnitzel (Pork Tenderloin), is the main German dish, sure to please the taste buds.
If you are feeling Greek you may want to order the Mediterranean Chicken or Penny Penne Pasta, an Italian dish, is also an option. American dishes include the regular deli style sandwich or soup and a classic coca cola. "The best dish would have to be cream pasta, our special this week," claims Pappas. With the exception of the German Potato Salad, made by local florist Lisa Brown, Pappas made the recipes.
Pappas explains, "I would really like to get wine on the menu…" At this time he allows customers to bring their own "brown bags."
Inside dining
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Grilled chicken Caesar salad, served with fresh romaine lettuce and tossed in Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese will run $6.75. A regular Caesar salad will cost $4.95.
The basic hamburger, 5 oz. of hand patted ground chuck will take $5.25 out of your pocket, while the more elaborate American & Swiss burger will step up to about $5.75.
House specialties will bite your budget a little more but is definitely worth it. Gyro dinner, a platter of gyro meat, sliced pita bread, Greek salad and Tzaziki sauce will run $7.95. Fish lovers may enjoy the Honey-Soy salmon, basted with honey-soy glaze, topped with julien carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini, served with rice and a side salad, at $10.95.
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