Baltimore welcomes Greek cafe

  • 2015-07-04
Corfu, a cafe specializing in Greek and other Mediterranean foods, opened June 8 in the Federal Hill area of Baltimore.

The restaurant is owned by Steve Armenis, an Athens native who also owns the Irish pub Shannon's Pub & Grille, located in Baltimore Highlands. The pub is named after Armenis's wife.

For this venture, Armenis decided to name his cafe after the island of Corfu, from which his family hails. Shannon Armenis added that the new restaurant has been inspired by the hospitable nature of Corfu's residents, who extended a warm welcome to her and her husband when they visited the island on their honeymoon. Shannon said people “just come outside and welcome you into their homes”.

The new cafe seats a total of 85 patrons in a dining room and full-service bar area. The couple has tried to create what they call a “rustic elegant” atmosphere, in which diners enjoy a certain level of elegance but are also able to be casual and comfortable. The menu consists almost entire of mezze, or small plates, which is typical of Greek tradition.

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, with service starting at 4:00 pm and running until 1:00 am. Corfu also offers a brunch from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, but is closed Sunday.

Armenis might work with a flyer printing company on a handout with a coupon included, to invite patrons to try the new cafe.