Dunno, get smart, I'm kinda partial to Yul, ya know....

Haven't tried Athena's or Texas Seafood yet, but have heard really good things about both places.

Geesh, I guess I need to get out more.

The chicken fry at the Double J is the best around.

Thanks, justamom.

I do encourage people to send me recommendations of places or dishes to try in the Crossroads area. I always say I'll try anything twice. :)

jrodrigo- maybe you could do one story a month or ever so often where you ask the readers to recommend the dish you try. Maybe then the readers will feel as if they have a say in the matter. Just a thought. Happy writing.

I neglected to mention their wine list, for any wine aficionados thinking about trying Athena. They have a superb selection of Greek wine you will probably never encounter anywhere else and they are very knowledgeable about the wines.

They make one of the best Chicken Parmigiana I've ever had. Their fried pork chops are great, too. Their menu has improved since they first opened.

I'm sorry you all felt so strongly about my misrepresentation of Athena's. In my defense, I never said anything bad about the restaurant. I have eaten there on several occasions and have never once had a bad meal.

Maybe you all misunderstand the way the Chomp! articles are written. We try one dish, critique that dish. We also write about the experience we had there. And in my case, I like to include personal anecdotes, because those memories about food are what make me want to write about it.

That being said, writing about food is completely subjective, not objective. I don't write to please you. I write about my experience in hopes to get you to try it on your own.

If you don't like my writing, send me an email and let me know how I can get better, jrodrigo@vicad.com.

I would like to commend the chef and staff of Athena's for preparing their exotic and American dishes to perfection. Having a place to dine with a fine menu with a complement wine selection in Victoria is a pleasure for us to have. We appreciate the waitstaff on service, but adore the superb crusine. We salute the owners of Athena for serving Victoria six days a week. KUDOS!

Apparently I am in the minority. I will have to say that I've never been there for the evening meal. Maybe I should give them another chance. I never said that there was anything wrong with the food. It just comes a little slower that I think it should and the lady that works lunch is a little too friendly for my tastes. I would not want to be rude to her and tell her to go away so I don't patronize the palce anymore.
Pat Barnes

Athena has become my favorite Victoria Restaurant. Yes, the owners do like to chat with their customers and I find them pleasant and welcoming. I can also vouch for the authenticity of all of their Greek dishes -- very good and very authentic. While I am not generally a lamb fancier, their braised lamb shank is as good as I have had anywhere, and better than most -- perfectly cooked and seasoned. Their prime rib is also exceptional.

My husband and I always enjoy Athena's. When we go for dinner we always enjoy an appetizer, main course with side and a dessert. My creature of habit husband just loves the Gyros, I have enjoyed the grilled whole snapper, lamb shank, and kabob. We enjoy the Greek salad with an extra side of Feta with our dinner. The owners are helpful in suggesting wine. For lunch, the Greek salad with grilled shrimp is my fav. Athena's is on our short list when we want something special. Blanche de Leon and Mercy Rendon.

We enjoy going there and swapping stories about travel with the owners. I agree, they do enjoy visiting, which could be seen as intrusive. We appreciate that though.

Things must have gotten a lot better since the last time we ate lunch there. No matter how few customers there are the food takes FOREVER to be prepared. Don't tell me about "fresh from scratch takes longer". They are just slow. Plus what you refer to as "hospitable and frienly" I think is obtrusive and annoying. When I am dining with someone I really don't appreciate the owner constantly bothering me and butting into our conversations. I had a cousin go there for flounder because she loves it. When it was served the owner began trying to tell her how to eat it! She even touched it on the plate! We have eaten there three times,all at lunch,and been aggrivated each time. I drive by there and think about trying them again but am hesitant.
Patrick Barnes

Apparently this person does not know how food reviews go. Of course neither does the reviewer. Typically reviews are based off an appetizer, a cpl main and side course and some desert. There is no way to critique an entire menu. Of course the reviews in this paper gives no basis for review grade. All praise and mediocre score makes no sense