T here is nothing mythological about the fine Hellenic cuisine served at Mythos on Northern Blvd. on the Bayside/Flushing border. The flavorful, authentic cuisine is there for all to see, smell, taste and enjoy, seven days a week. At Mythos, the dining experience begins as you walk in the front

door, where an expansive refrigerated case

displays the freshest catches of the day, prime steaks, thick cut pork chops, enormous shish-kebabs, marinated quail and delicate racks of baby lamb. Owner Paul Theodoropolous greets all of his guests and seats them in the light and airy dining room, beset with sturdy wooden tables and vine-covered ceilings. Mythos plays host to many large family gatherings as well as lunch or dinner for two. Mythos would be a fine choice for a Mother's Day celebration.

One of the highlights of Greek cuisine is the wide array of hot and cold appetizers ("meze") and salads. Mythos's eggplant salad (melitzanosalata) is hand chopped and mixed with fresh tomato and herbs and tastes like it came straight off the vine ($6). We spread this wonderful salad on triangles of warm pita bread while our friendly waitress cuts up a tantalizing wedge of saganaki, which is imported kasseri cheese that has been delicately pan-fried to a golden finish. A squeeze of fresh lemon brings out the earthy saltiness of the mild cheese. Gigantes are huge lima beans with a buttery taste, cooked with delicate herbs, tomato, carrots and celery for a healthy appetizer or side dish ($7). Mythos' stuffed grape leaves (dolmades) are some of the finest around, served warm with wedges of fresh lemon ($7). If you can't decide, a combination appetizer platter of salads is available, as well as a platter of hot starters. The generous platter includes grilled Greek sausage, cubed, marinated pork with kasseri cheese and peppers and will feed 2 to 3 people as a first course ($11.50). Tiny fish called smelts are pan fried till crispy and served with lemon wedges for a traditional Greek appetizer. Mythos' grilled octopus is legendary and plump shrimp sautéed in fresh tomato, wine, butter and feta cheese is another popular dish. Large bowls of fresh salads can also be shared, such as the horiatiki salad, with red, ripe tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and creamy feta cheese. Don't forget about their wonderful soups, made from scratch. To compliment all these wonderful starters, order a carafe of house wine, or an ice cold Mythos beer, imported from Greece.

Mythos is an ideal choice if you crave fresh fish and seafood. Whole fresh fish such as red snapper and porgy are grilled with herbs, a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and healthy meal. According to Theodoropolous, a very popular entrée is the char grilled seafood combination. Tender chunks of marinated octopus and delicate rings of calamari are grilled to perfection and served on a bed of seasonal grilled vegetables, including zucchini and eggplant.

Prime meats and chops are also excellent choices and they are all cooked to order. Baby lamb chops are seasoned with mild herbs and cooked just long enough to retain a rosy color in the middle. Lean veal chops and pork chops are juicy and tender, served with savory lemon potatoes or rice. The New York sirloin strip steak looks good enough in the display case to eat raw, but after an expertly timed visit to the charcoal grill, this steak was tender yet had a texture that you could really sink your teeth into ($23).

In addition to all the great menu choices, a list of daily specials will tempt you as well. Their hearty lamb stew was so tender, the meat just fell of the shank. Rabbit stew, classic moussaka and pastitsio, as well as roast chicken and Chilean sea bass made deciding even more difficult.

A private party room is available that can accommodate up to 130 people for a shower, engagement party or business function. Of course, smaller family gatherings of six or more are always welcome, though it is best to reserve in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.

Finish off your meal with a cup of rich coffee and a Greek pastry, dripping with sweet honey. Galaktoborekia is a light pastry resembling a mini haystack, filled with walnuts and honey. Baklava is perhaps most familiar to diners and Mythos does a fine job of it.

Mythos is an ideal venue to celebrate Mother's Day, May 13th, but call now to reserve your space for fresh, Greek cuisine in a lovely, casual setting. Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11am to 3pm with prices from $4.95 to $12.50. Dinner is served until 11 pm on weekdays and on Saturdays and Sundays, dinner is served all day, making it a great place to visit with family. Orders are also available for take-out.

Mythos is conveniently located just across the street from St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Northern Blvd in Flushing. Mythos is a treat for all the senses.