As our northeastern version of summer took its time arriving, the Family Chow got a bit impatient and decided to seek out ways to get into the mood of long sunny days spent lounging by cooling bodies of water.
We opted for a trip to Troy, of course. The Greek House is a small, family owned restaurant on 3rd Street and the minute we entered, it didn’t take much to imagin ourselves by the blue of the Mediterranean.
Well, at least the walls were a beautiful blue, with tidy white trim, white cane-bottomed chairs and tables covered in blue and white checked plastic tablecloths. Soft music was playing in the background that was barely audible over the sizzling grill-work of the chef in the open kitchen.
The Greek House’s menu is easy to navigate and full of familiar Greek classics. There are about a half dozen spreads from Tzatziki to Melitzanosalata (eggplant and garlic) and an equal number of appetizers. We opted for a starter of Olive Hummus ($5.95) and Lemon Potatoes ($5.95). Pita Bread Wraps come in seven varieties including grilled pork sausage and a vegan option. Shishkabob Platters include a choice of vegetables, chicken, lamb or swordfish. There are also five “specialties” including Spanikopita, Mousaka and Shrimp Saganaki.
We placed our orders and didn’t wait long before our bottled drinks arrived, shortly followed by the starters. The olive chickpea hummus was surrounded by eight wedges of pillowy soft, warmed pita dusted with dried herbs. Dad and Mom both expected a salt-heavy spread and had mixed reactions to a more mildly salted version. Dad thought it was a bit bland, while Mom loved being able to taste the kalamata olive flavor. Everyone was unanimously in favor of the lemon potatoes – steaming hot wedges of perfectly cooked, skinless potato with a subtle but unmistakably bright lemon flavor. Son described them as “tasty like lemon cake.”
Our server checked in with us and just as we were polishing off the last of the pita wedges, out came our entrees. Mom dug right in to her Lamb Shishkabob Platter ($18.95). The tender but nicely charred meat was flavorful and wonderfully complemented the side of cooling tzatziki sauce. Mushrooms, yellow squash, green peppers and onions filled out the kabob. Between the veggies, lamb and salad (a lettuce-less mix of green peppers, tomatoes, red onions and cucumbers), Mom couldn’t finish the included side of lemon potatoes.
Dad loved his Original Gyro Pita Bread Wrap ($7.95) and Eggplant Fries ($3.50). Not a mere technicality, he especially loved the way the strips of lamb extended through the pita wrap so each bite was a mix of veggies, meat and “the best tzatziki sauce I’ve ever had”. The fried strips of eggplant were golden crispy outside and melty soft inside – no need for ketchup. Son thought the beef in his Bifteki Gyro ($7.95) was “very cooked”, but ate the entire wrap and most of his fries ($2.50). Daughter also thought the chicken in her kabob ($18.95) was a bit tough although she loved the “light and fresh” tzatziki as much as her Dad.
For dessert, we were talked into trying the Kataifi ($3.95) over our usual Greek restaurant choice of Baklava. We couldn’t resist throwing in an order of Kourabiedes ($.95 each). Mom was overwhelmed by the sweetness of the honey syrup on the Kataifi, but appreciated the “birds nest” topping of shredded pastry covering a dense filling of walnuts. Dad loved the “great mix of flavors and textures”. Taking care not to inhale near the thick layer of powdered sugar, everyone enjoyed the light, slightly crunchy butter cookies.
Overall, we loved our early jump on summer by way of The Greek House. The service was friendly and prompt and the food was satisfying from appetizers to desserts. Even though our bill was a bit high for a casual night out, we hope to return often. We give The Greek House 4 C’s for service, 3 C’s for family friendliness and 3.5 C’s for food.
