Pete's Famous Restaurant                    Rating:***** Excellent
34 East Market Street
Rhinebeck, New York 12572
Tel.#845 876-7271
Hours Open: Seven Days 7:00 A.M--10:00 P.M

At Pete's Famous Restaurant, Greek Culture and Heritage Shines with Fabulous Greek Food

Envision a cozy down to earth eatery where locals gather to really relax while they enjoy good eats at very reasonable prices and are not rushed by staff or manegement. And extra cups of coffee are served to the customers in appreciation for their patronage---- this is  what is real at the nicest little breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot in this town in Dutchess County. Pete's Famous Restaurant in Rhinebeck, N.Y is a very hospitable family run restaurant to dine at with a big genuine friendliness that exudes from the owners Roula and George Foutsitzis,and Peter Sassos.

 The breakfast portions at the restuarant are big. On the menu you have Three Egg Omellettes,French Toast and Waffles, and the only Homemade Pancakes in Rhinebeck that are made with Buckwheat that are very popular with the locals. The menu at Pete's is also quite varied and multicultural, and weirdly nice  offering platters like the Canadian Bison Deluxe Hamburger that if ordered medium rare is quite delicious. Or the Hot Pressed Panini Cubano that packs a delectable punch.
  In addition to soups, salads, and sandwiches, like Pot Roast,and Roast Beef sandwiches,  other items include Chicken Quesadilla,A Fajita Combo of Chicken and Beef and a ChickenBurrito wrap, and Hot pressed Paninis like  the Vegetarian. And the Gyro and the Chicken Souvlaki are really quite good as Greek specialties.

This family run restaurant also carries a childrens menu that is surprisingly good and copious with the standards like spaghetti and meatballs,chicken nuggets and tenders, fries, cheese quesadillas and macaroni and cheese that will satisfy the little ones.  Pete's Famous also offers take- out.  

On a cold Friday evening I decided to dine at the restaurant. I began my dinner by sampling two imported Pilsner beers: a Stella Artois followed by a Heineiken which were served really cold, the way the beer should be served, and for this I give them two thumbs up. As for the wine selection I thought it needed a better class of varietals than they presently have.  A group that would include some Malbecs and Pinot Noirs, and Tempranillos.

Pete's Famous has three types of outstanding  salads; Regular Green, Gourmet, and Pasta: like the Pasta Mexican Chicken salad, and the Grilled Salmon Salad or a Spinach, or Greek Salad. They;re good.
 The first course that I opted for was the Greek Salad. A huge salad of fresh sumptousness comprising of Feta cheese, dolmades,cuccumbers, lettuce, Kalamata olives,onions, tomatoes, oregano, and green spicy peppers, all lightly drizzeled with Greek olive oil and vinegar.

  My server Marion was attentive and competent with friendliness that does its utmost. And her professional service was maintained throughout my dining. Always seeing that my glass of water was  replenished and my food selections followed in an orderly manner.  But my favorite aspect is the chef--owner George who walks around the dining area asking his customers if everything is all-right and reccomending dishes he personally cooks-- with high marks achieved for deliciousness.

For my dinner entree I decided on two Greek specials:the Spanicopita and the Moussaka: The Spanikopita is a cut above all others served in the Hudson Valley It is prepared in the traditional Greek way. And you'll know it as a superb entree when all the deliciousness of the properly seasoned and cooked ensemble of crispy filo dough, feta cheese, olive oil and spinach cling so warmly to every nook and cranny of your palate with a great taste   The secondi dish that I ordered was the Moussaka. It was beautifully presented.  It is a traditional three layered hot casserole with an asortment of   fresh ingredients of eggplant, potatoes, and beef topped with a Bechamel sauce.    And this dish was divinely cooked to perfection by Chef George Foutsitzis.  It is the most widely recognized Greek dish made famous by the legendary Greek Chef Nicolas Tselmentes in his1910' cookbook.

Restauranteurs usually make a more poignant culinary statement when the delcious food they serve at thier restaurant is expressed by way of the culinary culture they are born into.  At Pete's Famous Restuarant,  Greek Cultural Heritage shines with the traditional Greek fare George and Roulah prepare and sell at their restuarant.

The restaurant offers two great Puddings: the Tapioca and the Rice.  I'm one who loves a healthy and wholesome dessert after a fabulous dinner.  So I decided on having Pete's Famous Rice Pudding as my dinner was to end:  It had real texture of rice with good flavor of cinnamon present but not overwhelming, and not too sweet. It was to die for.  I ended my dinner with a great cup of 100% Arabica coffee that surpasses in flavor all other coffee served at other coffee shops in town. 
Pete's Famous has a happy bustle and rush dining component that makes it an enjoyable place for friends,  family, and all to eat  well in Rhinebeck and be treated affably by a fined tuned and people friendly restaurant team .               Rating:*****  EXCELLENT

Baron Corso von Habsburg is a chef,  an international, food wine,beer, and chocolate critic,  and a connoisseur who has written extensively on wine and cuisine He resides in New York, and Virginia>  He can be reached at 845-706-1244