Owner George Chryssaidis (Crasidis) serves up authentic Greek cuisine from his Athena Cafe in St. Augustine, Florida featuring his homemade signature dishes such as creamy hummus, chicken souvlaki, gyro with tzatziki sauce made from his own olive oil imported from family olive groves in Frixa, Greece. Aptly named Frixa, it's only available in Florida which makes perfect sense as it's medicinal qualities are on par with the nearby Fountain of Youth. Other yummy dishes at Athena Cafe include Greek caviar (Taramosalata) to die for and Saganaki, the house special where grilled Greek cheese is drenched in lemon for a mouth watering tanginess. It comes with it's own show as the waiter lights the dish on fire as he serves it shouting, 'Opa!'

A self made man, George's humble beginnings began as a dishwasher and through his love of eating reached for owning restaurants rather than working in them. He also owns Cafe Alcazar which is a fancier setting for his home-cooked cuisine, set in the deep end of the swimming pool of the historic Alcazar Hotel circa 1887. Georgie's Diner brought me right back to 4AM memories of Greek diners in Brooklyn serving the fluffiest omelets, and don't be surprised if George visits your table to personally welcome you.