Travel to Greece by trying King Gyros in Whitehall
Catch up quick: Owner Yianni Chalkias grew up in Greece and opened King Gyros 34 years ago.
The fast-casual Whitehall staple has lots of fans, including the Mayor of Flavortown, who featured its dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) on an episode of "Diners, Drive-ins and "Dives" last year.
What I ate: A heaping classic gyro ($9) on a fluffy pita with fries ($4). It comes with tomato, onion and lettuce, and I added feta, cucumbers and olives ($3) — and promptly grabbed a pile of napkins.
The "famous gyro sauce" lived up to the hype.
I almost ordered loaded fries, but I'm glad I held back. They were crispy, seasoned and fresh, perfect just on their own.
Best bites: You can't leave before trying a handmade dessert, like the chocolate-dipped baklava ($6) with syrupy-sweet layers of flaky philo dough.
The vibes: The building, a former Taco Bell transformed into a miniature Greek temple, is just as remarkable as the food.
It's adorned inside and out with beautiful, intricate murals depicting flowers, grape vines and scenes of Greece.
Plus: It's got a drive-thru!
Stop by: 10:30am-10pm Monday-Friday and 11am-10pm Saturday. 400 S. Hamilton Road.
🌎 Worthy of your time: This trip was part of our Eating Around the World series. See the other international foods we've mapped so far.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UPI
12 hours ago
- UPI
Greece and Turkey battle wildfires and extreme heat; Turkey sees 122 F
1 of 2 | Firefighters and volunteers battle a wildfire in the area of Kryoneri, in the suburbs of Athens, Greece, on Saturday. Photo by Yannis Kolesidis/EPA July 27 (UPI) -- Extreme heat, high winds and fires have plagued parts of Greece and Turkey amid the high tourist season as temperatures in Greece have risen to 111.2 degrees and in Turkey to 122.9 degrees. In the Karabuk province of Turkey, firefighters have battled fires for four days. In Eskisehir, Turkey, 10 people died on Wednesday, BBC reported. Ibrahim Yumakli, Turkey's forestry minister, said on Sunday that areas affected by fires were "going through risky times" and that it would be several days before they were fully contained. Some local authorities have restricted water consumption, including for the resort of Cesme on Turkey's west coast. Greece is battling five major wildfires with extreme temperatures likely to continue. There are 11 regions of the country at "very high risk of fire." Greece has formally asked for assistance from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism for six firefighting aircraft. Two major fires are on the islands of Kythira and Evia. Kythira, which is popular with tourists, is just off the tip of the Peloponnese peninsula, and Evia is a large island northeast of Athens. Firefighters were still battling to control major blazes on Kythira and Messinia, on the Peloponnese peninsula, Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis, Greece's fire service spokesperson, said. A fire in Kryoneri, a suburb northeast of Athens, has been contained. On Kythira, a blaze broke out Saturday morning in the village of Pitsinades. According to initial estimates, about 20% of the island has been affected by the fire. New evacuation alerts were issued Sunday, when the government ordered residents of several villages to leave. The fire service would not have been able to cope if "there had been another two or three fires like the one near Athens," Vathrakoyiannis told the New York Times. "The state mechanism has been called to engage in a titanic battle, simultaneously responding to dozens of wildfires across the country," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a statement. "To those who saw their properties destroyed by the fury of fire, know that the state will stand by your side." Climate crisis and civil protection minister Giannis Kefalogiannis previously said they "have injured firefighters, human lives were put at risk, properties have been burned, and forest areas have been destroyed." Public broadcaster ERT reported on Kythira that "Tte first images are resonant of a biblical disaster as huge areas have been reduced to cinders and ash," The Guardian reported. The island's deputy mayor, Giorgos Komninos, was cited as saying: "Everything, from houses, beehives [to] olive trees has been burnt." Fires in Greece are becoming more frequent in the hot summers. Earlier this month, a fire forced 1,500 people to evacuate from homes and hotels on Crete, a popular tourist island. Scientists have designated the Mediterranean, including much of Greece, a "wildfire hotspot" as blazes become more frequent and destructive during hot, parched summers. Governments of the affected countries say the climate crisis is the cause.
CNBC
17 hours ago
- CNBC
I'm a travel expert who has visited 70 countries—these 7 phrases make you sound like ‘an obnoxious American'
I know what it's like to have inconsiderate houseguests — the kind where you can't wait for them to leave. I don't ever want to be that person when I'm in another country. I've been traveling almost as long as I've been alive. I've made it to all seven continents, 70 countries, and 47 U.S. states. Along the way, I've learned how much what we say and how we say it matters, especially when navigating different cultures. For example, words like "conquer," "explore," and "discover" have colonial undertones that may not be welcome in countries still recovering from the impacts of colonization. Calling a place "unspoiled" can erase its indigenous history. The last thing I want when I'm abroad is to be labeled an obnoxious American. As a professional traveler, I've learned through experience the best way to avoid that is by not saying things that can come off as rude, offensive, or ignorant. Here are 7 phrases I'd never say that Americans traveling abroad often use: I can't tell you the number of times I've seen an American whip out their dollar bills at a foreign market only to be met by a shopkeeper's blank stare. The U.S. dollar isn't the only currency in the world. Acting like it is — or demanding locals tell you how much something costs in dollars or "real money" — can make you look clueless and self-centered. Look up a country's currency before you visit, and use a currency conversion app to keep track of your spending. You may as well walk around wearing a sweatshirt that says "entitled and privileged." There are many reasons other countries may be more affordable than where you're from, and they often involve violence, exploitation, and systems designed to perpetuate global inequality. Canada has provinces. Singapore and Monaco are city-states that aren't divided into smaller sections. Asking what state a person is from outside of the U.S. is a quick way to show you haven't researched your destination or can't respect that things are different elsewhere. When you go to a foreign country seeking out corporate chains, you're missing out on an opportunity to try something new and to support local businesses. I could have gotten Starbucks on a trip to Athens a few years ago, but then I wouldn't have had a chance to taste incredible Greek coffee and visit several cute cafes I hope to get back to one day. On another trip to Mexico City, I stop at Starbucks — the closest coffee shop to my hotel and a place where I knew for sure I could get a cold brew on a hot day. I got so much side eye from my friends and so many questions about why I didn't opt for better coffee while supporting the local economy. Next time, I'll remember my own advice. English is the most commonly spoken language in the world, with an estimated 1.5 billion speakers around the globe. It's an official or widely spoken language in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Malta, Singapore, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and several Caribbean islands and African countries. It should never come as a surprise to encounter someone who has impeccable English in a predominantly English-speaking country. Yet, I've lost track of the number of times people have said that to me in the U.S. and shudder to hear it when I'm traveling. Calling a country — especially one you're visiting — a "third-world" country can come off as judgmental. Instead, I use "developing country," a phrase that doesn't carry the same connotations. It just doesn't feel right to judge a place whose people I hope will welcome me. I was once invited to a tasting menu dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant not far from Paris. After the second or third course, an American at our table interrupted the meal to request a green salad like he normally eats at home. I've never seen such a mortified waiter, and I don't think the chef ever complied with the request. One of the best things about travel is that it exposes you to new ways of thinking and doing things. Focusing on how it's done at home can blunt the transformative impact. Visiting countries all over the world has opened my eyes to so many different ways of living — and that's exactly the life-changing perspective that makes me so excited to book my next trip.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
The Balkan Country That Adores Americans
Pasqyra Beach between Ksamil and Sarande, Albania getty With a dramatic coastline, ancient ruins, low cost of living, and surprisingly generous visa policy, Albania is making waves—particularly among American travelers and digital nomads. While many European countries enforce strict Schengen visa limits, Albania rolls out the red carpet. U.S. citizens can stay for an entire year upon arrival—no paperwork, fees, or visa application required. It's a remarkable offer compared to most other countries, which only allow visits of one to three months. Sasha Savinov, a digital nomad expert who runs the Grateful Gnomads travel blog, says 'Considering how difficult it is for Albanians to even visit the U.S. as a tourist, I, for one, am very appreciative of their welcoming attitude towards Americans. Having done that first month-long stay in the country, I would gladly go back and stay awhile.' The Albanian Riviera has gone viral on social media because of its striking turquoise waters and rugged coastline that rivals the Greek islands but comes at a fraction of the price. Towns like Vlore offer seaside living without crowds of tourists or inflated real estate prices found elsewhere in Europe. What really sets Albania apart, however, is its genuine affection for Americans. In 2007, George W. Bush became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the country. His trip was met with jubilation. 'Our guide, Ermal, told us stories of being a kid and how excited everyone was for this historic occasion,' says Sasha. 'He emphasized how much Albanians love the U.S. and how happy he was to have Americans booking tours with him. I don't think he was saying it just to be nice.' Clyde from Havenbach, an Albania-focused relocation and real estate consultancy service, describes it this way: 'Americans are seen in a good way here. People are friendly, curious, and open. There's no hate or weird looks. In fact, many Albanians respect the U.S., especially because of politics and history. Older people often bring up how the U.S. helped Kosovo, and that left a strong impression. Young people follow American culture, music, and even slang. If you tell someone you're from the U.S., they'll usually react in a positive way. You might even get treated better in some cases.' Albania has a complex, layered history. It's home to Greek colonies like the ancient Apollonia as well as Roman and Byzantine ruins. Northern Albania had strong ties with Roman Catholicism, while the south aligned more with Eastern Orthodoxy. The country declared its independence in 1912, but decades of turmoil followed. Albania was one of the first to fall to the Axis in World War II. Later, it aligned with Stalin's USSR and then Maoist China before becoming one of the most isolated communist states in the world. Democracy came with a rocky transition in 1991. Today, Albania is a NATO member and an EU candidate, vying for full membership by 2030. Corruption remains a challenge, but development is underway, including infrastructure improvements and a growing tourism sector. The Expat Experience In Albania Albania is an excellent base for Americans in Europe. 'We were turned on to Albania by some other digital nomad friends who told us what a great bargain it was finding accommodation there,' says Sasha, recalling how he first heard about it. 'While Airbnb and Vrbo are overpriced in big European cities like Barcelona and Prague, they're still a fantastic deal in Tirana.' Albania attracts an increasingly international crowd. Sasha says, 'More and more expats have been finding their way here as well from all corners of the world—the U.S., Turkey, China, and beyond. Even some digital nomads are giving Albania a try these days, including me.' The country has introduced what many refer to as a digital nomad visa, officially called the Unique Permit. It allows stays of a year and can be renewed, though the income required to qualify is not clear. But applying for this or another visa is often unnecessary for Americans. With a full year granted on arrival, many use that time to explore and determine their long-term plans. Relocating isn't complicated. Clyde says, 'There are a few ways to qualify for a residence permit. You can apply as a retiree, as self-employed, for family reasons, or even just show you have stable income. Some people just register a small business to make the process easier. 'To apply, you'll need a few basic things: a rental contract, proof of income or savings, a clean criminal record, health insurance, and passport photos. Some documents need to be translated and notarized. It sounds like a lot, but it's manageable.' Albania Is Not Perfect Albania has its downsides. English isn't widely spoken outside the capital. Infrastructure can be spotty. Roads in rural areas may be in poor condition. Customer service standards are different from what most Americans are used to. There are no direct flights to the U.S. at the moment, though this may change soon. Delta Air Lines is supposedly in talks about a direct New York-Tirana route. A new international airport in Vlore, designed to accommodate transatlantic planes, is also in development. For many, Albania's upsides outweigh its downsides. It's not part of the Schengen Zone, making it a strategic stop for anyone traveling in Europe long-term who needs to reset their 90-day visa clock. It's safe compared to major U.S. cities. The café culture is vibrant, and the cost of living is low. As Clyde says, 'if you're someone who wants peace, more freedom, and a cheaper life, it's a strong option. You'll have to adjust to some things, but that's part of the experience.' A Country On The Verge Albania is changing rapidly. More foreigners are arriving every year. It was recently named among Forbes' list of 'The Best Places To Retire Abroad In 2025.' Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are set to invest $1.4 billion into a luxury island resort on the Albanian island of Sazan. It's a country in motion with rising global curiosity and internal development that's laying the groundwork for a big future. 'For now, though, it's the easiest way for Americans to spend a whole year in Europe without doing any paperwork or paying any fees,' says Sasha. Albania offers the beauty of Europe, the hospitality of a bygone era, and a rare welcome mat for Americans who want to slow down, save money, and experience something authentic. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Beat The Summer Heat In These 6 Cool-Weather Havens By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes 3 Top Retirement Havens In The Philippines From Just $1,000 A Month By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Escape The Crowds At These Portuguese Beaches Only The Locals Know By Kathleen Peddicord
