Chickpea to Cook

The ride back home from Vegas can be mighty long, especially depending how you did at the weekend craps table. But make sure you save at least $10 for a stop at Mad Greek, a kitschy fast food deli and diner that pays homage to the island of the Gods.

It’s a piece of Greece in the middle of the Mojave Desert town of Baker. This dusty pitstop town on the route to Vegas is otherwise known for it’s inordinately large thermometer–the world’s largest, I’m told. Mad Greek is just down the street.

You can’t miss this restaurant with its huge sign, eclectic mix of Greek God statues, and of course, numerous Greek flags.

And that’s just on the outside.

Inside you’ll find a wide menu of Mediterranean specialties. Try the beef shawarma or chicken gyros. There are also plenty of honey drenched Greek pastries–baklava is a favorite. You can eat there or take it to go, although I find that munching on a spanakopita in the car can be a messy imposition.

The food is different than the typical road fare you will find on America’s highways, and therefore better. The staff is friendly and Greek! Well, most of them.

As you savor the last bite of your dolmade, you’ll almost be able to forget your Vegas sorrows.