When the average UT student hears the word “Greek,” the first thoughts that come to mind are fraternity guys and sorority girls. Due to the thriving Greek life of our campus, the word has become synonymous with images of Uggs and oversized T-shirts, or backwards visors, Polo button-down shirts and hour-long ultimate frisbee matches. But the Aegean Mediterranean Grille, named for the sea that surrounds the country, is slowly but surely trying to reclaim the original meaning of “Greek” by serving up traditional Hellenic food.

Standing on Kingston Pike, sandwiched between Kroger and Panera Bread Company down by the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, Aegean opened its doors five months ago with one simple purpose: Give Knoxville a traditional Greek experience.

Co-owner John Sipsis is quick to point out the niche that Aegean occupies. In a town that hosts a thriving Greek Festival every fall, Knoxville was home to zero authentic Greek restaurants before Aegean, and that is where Sipsis’ creation helps fits in. Offering traditional recipes, Sipsis hopes to make all patrons feel like they are in their own kitchens.

“I want people to feel like they’re at home,” Sipsis said, with a smile and a heavily accented Greek voice.

The home-style feel of Aegean is evident from the very second someone walks into the restaurant’s front door. The host stand directly faces the double-door entrance, where a casual greeting invites any person into the restaurant. From there, guests are led to either a table lined with comfortable, attractive wooden chairs, or to salmon-colored booths, which contrast well to the cream-colored walls. Once at their seats, visitors are made welcome even more by a helpful and jovial staff.

Even the menu is purely homemade. Many of the recipes are inspired by the Greek head chef’s grandmother’s personal favorites, and represent some of the traditional hallmarks of the national cuisine, especially the Moussaka, Soutzoukakia and the Kontosouvli. Not only is the menu based off of folk favorites, but it is also fluid. The items on the menu are in constant flux; new items can be and are added, while those that are not selling well are removed. The restaurant strives to make things as comfortable and guest-friendly as possible.

Looking around the interior, Aegean presents itself as uniquely Greek. The walls are lined with posters and framed photographs of the namesake’s homeland, while Greek music plays over the loudspeakers accenting nicely each bite and conversation with rhythmic guitar strumming and infectious percussion beats.

As for the prices, Aegean’s dinner menu does not really allow itself to fit in the category of an every-night dining spot for most cash-strapped college students. The average entrée hovers around $12-16, with some reaching as high as $22, but these price ranges should not diminish anyone from going to Aegean. With careful budgeting, the $14 Moussaka or the $12 Soutzoukakia become easily affordable. Aegean also offers a more than affordable lunch menu, which holds a fare share of items fewer than $10 and no item over $12.

Overall, Aegean is an interesting and unique attraction in Knoxville. Five months ago, this city was without a location for an everyday window into Greek cuisine and culture. But now, with the opening and success of Aegean, who offer good food, a clean and attractive atmosphere and a truly home-style feeling, Knoxville has gotten a little more Greek.