A James Beard Nominated Chef Opens His First Solo Restaurant

True confession: Greek food is my absolute favorite cuisine (besides Italian). There’s just something about those bright, bold flavors that is so addicting! Between the creamy tzatziki, salty feta, lemon, herbs and perfectly grilled meats, these are the dishes I love indulging in.

Word on the street- just over the New Hampshire border in Chelmsford, you will be able to experience some delectable Greek dishes from a James Beard nominated chef!

Chef Brendan Pelley (maybe you’ve heard of him?) is bringing Kri Kri Grill (a modern Greek taverna) to his hometown in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. The restaurant officially soft launched this past week, with a grand opening to still be announced.

For those that don't know him, Pelley has spent years in the food industry, at some of Boston’s most popular Greek restaurants, including Krasi (where he was nominated the James Beard Award). He also continues to be the culinary director of Xenia Greek Hospitality.

"In addition to competing on Hell’s Kitchen and Beat Bobby Flay, Pelley has been featured in the New York Times, Bon Appétit and Boston Magazine" says Mass Live.

Kri Kri is inspired by the Greek tavernas Pelley loves, as well as a memorable trip to Crete with his wife. The restaurant’s name comes from the wild “kri-kri” goats they saw there.

And the menu? YES, PLEASE. Expect made from scratch pita, hand-carved meats, gyros, spanakopita, moussaka, pastitsio, grilled dolmas, mezze, seafood, hand-cut fries and homemade ice cream - flavors such as Greek coffee and even vanilla and olive oil.

And if you feel like experiencing Pelley’s dishes from home, take-out & delivery will also be available.

According to Kri Kri’s website, “Kri Kri Grill reflects the spirit of the Kri Kri, the wild mountain goat of Crete- symbolizing authenticity, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. That spirit lives in everything we do, from the way we cook to the way we serve our guests.”

Pelley describes the restaurant as serving the kind of food he loves to eat, while bringing homestyle Greek cooking to the Merrimack Valley.

One customer wrote on a recent social media post, "Very glad you are here in town, the food is outstanding. I can't wait to go back with my family."

If you're a fellow Greek food fanatic like I am, this is definitely one to get in line for! And with just 36 seats, I have a feeling those tables are going to fill up FAST. So, consider this your heads-up: Kri Kri Grill is going to be one hot ticket in Chelmsford!