This past Friday my friend Courtney and I enjoyed a late lunch at Helen in The Heights. Courtney and I have been friends for a few years and share a passion for travel, great food, and discovering new places. You should check out her Insta @Hiptrip52 for traveling on trend in Texas!
Back to Helen…
Nestled in a 5-story red brick building known as 1111 Studewood Place Helen is a modern Greek taverna offering traditional Greek cuisine and regional Greek wines. This sister restaurant to Helen Greek Food and Wine is just shy of 4 months old, but this ‘little sister’ holds it’s own and more with it’s taverna style menu and vast all Greek wine list!
Upon entering Helen you’ll feel welcomed by the fabulous interior designed by Erin Hicks. Stained concrete floors, red brick walls, rustic chandeliers, exposed air ducts, inviting banquettes, and even a wall of faux greenery in the rear of the restaurant. Designer Erin Hicks was aiming for “a traditional taverna feel with deep blues, brick, whitewashed wood, and replicas of Minoan frescoes.” When the light of the sun dims outside Helen beckons you with a soft glow all of her own.
Photo via Houston Press
Once seated we were greeted by the manager, Greg. Greg was more than happy to offer suggestions as to what we should order. I must say we were quite impressed with his knowledge of the diverse, all Greek wine list, of which any wine can be ordered by the glass! Since most people are not as proficient in Greek wines as say, California wines or other American wines, this is a great way for people to experience different Greek wines without committing to an entire bottle. At least until you’re ready too!
While Greg is not the official sommelier at Helen, Evan Turner is, Greg certainly knows his stuff! He also seemed rather proficient in Greek mythology and relating it to our choices. We really enjoyed the “lesson” that we must of missed in school 🙂
Though there are some of the same menu choices, the food is more classic Greek comfort food than the Greek modern choices that you will find at Helen Greek in the Rice Village. Think souvlaki, cheese pies, pastitsio, and moussaka among other things.
Greeted by our waiter Will, Courtney and I perused the menu and decided to share several different things on our lunch date. Don’t you just love sharing!
One of my absolute favorites is the Village Salad. Pretty much your traditional Greek salad, but the flavors are explosive! The freshness of the tomatoes is something you just don’t find much anymore. Add cucumbers, kalamata olives, red onions, green bell pepper, feta cheese, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil and you’ve got yourself a great salad!
Then there’s the octopus grilled and served over a Greek fava puree and adorned with kalamata olives, pickled onion and capers and drizzled with thyme oil.
The lamb souvlaki was up next. Perfectly seasoned and grilled with tomatoes and red onion then served on top of fresh pita bread and tzatziki.
What Greek meal would be complete without lemon potatoes? Roasted to perfection and just enough fresh lemon taste!
Before we wrapped up our meal another manager, Priscilla, stopped by our table to check on us. She is as nice as can be! They really know how to make you feel welcome here!
Helen in The Heights is a fabulous addition to the Heights vibrant dining scene. We thoroughly enjoyed dining there and will return soon!
KALI OREXI – Bon Apetite!
Helen in the Heights is open for lunch: Tuesday – Saturday from 11am to 4pm and Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
Dinner service: Tuesday – Thursday is from 4pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 11pm, and Sunday from 4pm to 9pm.
Helen in The Heights is closed on Mondays and available for private events.
the ANGELA edit 