The Mad Greek Cafe turns up like a mirage as you drive along Highway 15 toward Las Vegas.
There it is, all blue and white, with Greek flags flying and a jumble of Greek statues. This is not what you would expect in a drab desert town like Baker.
The food is seriously Greek. You'll see stacks of pita bread and pita chips along with displays of dolmades, spanakopita, baklava, kataifi, Greek custard turnovers, kourambiedes, Greek rice pudding, yogurt drinks and more.
The place is so versatile that you can order a gyro with pilaf, or you can have Mexican food or a burger. This is necessary because the Mad Greek is a magnet for travelers of all tastes. It's generally jammed.
You'll eat with cool scenes of the Greek islands in the background, nice when the desert is scorching.
And you'll read Greek quotes inscribed on the walls, such as "The most valuable of arts is the art of living Greek style."
Oddly, the Mad Greek is famous for something that's not Greek, a fresh strawberry shake. You pick it up at a counter that's just for ice creams and shake-making.
The foamy blend of vanilla ice cream, strawberry syrup and fresh berries is so thick that you have to spoon it up. A straw can't do the job.
The ingredients are ordinary. What makes it so special? That would have to be the finishing touch, a little paper parasol planted on top. And the setting. Where else could you slurp up a shake with Hercules looking over your shoulder?
The Mad Greek Cafe, 72112 Baker Blvd., Baker, CA 92309. Tel: (760) 733-4354.
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