Tasty Greek Food in Henderson: The Great Greek

By: Bob Gourley
 
Mediterranean food is one of the hottest cuisines in the country. Not only has it been named one of the healthiest diets on the planet, but it is delicious as well.
 
The folks at the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in Henderson have been open since 2010, and judging by the crowds that frequent the place, they have been doing a great job. A recent renovation of the interior space has given it an airy look, not unlike something you would find while strolling an avenue in Greece. 

Appetizers are a collection of favorites that are well executed. There is Avgolemono soup, an addictive chicken and lemon concoction that has a citrusy bite that some people say is therapeutic as well as tasty.

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Dolmades ($4.95) are stuffed grape leaves with rice and fresh herbs. They are served cold and will definitely brighten up the taste buds.
 
Melizanosalata is a mix of roasted eggplant puree with garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. If you just want salad, don’t hesitate to order either a large or small Greek version with crisp romaine hearts, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, Greek feta and fresh herbs. Homemade vinaigrette brings the flavors together nicely.
    
Traditional plates are offered with a range of meats. One of my favorites is grilled Chicken Souvlaki ($11.95). Two skewers of marinated chicken breast sit atop succulent rice pilaf or French fries.
 
Grilled garlic shrimp are the highlight of an offering with shellfish that is immersed in lemon, garlic and oregano. Yia Yia’s Pasticcio is a classic ground beef and casserole topped with creamy béchamel sauce.
 
For those who want to go meatless, order the Mezze Plate ($11.49). Spanakopita, dolmades, falafel, hummus and that great creamy yogurt dip tzaziki are creatively arranged on the plate.
    
Their gyro has been named one of the best in the area. Made with a combination of beef/lamb or chicken, the sandwich is stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and tzaziki that is then topped with feta.
 
A falafel pita is constructed with a homemade chickpea fritter sitting inside pita with hummus, red onion, tomato plus fresh mint and yogurt sauce. The Athenian Burger ($7.75) is a huge affair with a half pound of grilled Angus beef with all of the fixings.
    
An original recipe Greek rice bowl is fulfilling with a choice of meat and rice pilaf with shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, marinated garbanzo beans, olives and crumbled feta delivered with sauce.
    
Dessert continues the traditional Greek theme. There is baklava layered with filo dough, walnuts and honey syrup.
 
Mom’s Rice Pudding ($3.49) has vanilla and cinnamon accents. Kourabiedes are cookies made from a traditional recipe. One of their sweet inventions is Baklava Ice Cream featuring a crushed baklava with vanilla ice cream topped with honey.
    
A large collection of drinks is available to wash everything down. Family and kids menus are also available.
   
 Innovative Greek food lives in Henderson.
    
Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, Open Monday-Thursday 11:00AM-8:00PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00AM-9:00PM. 1275 W. Warm Springs Rd., Henderson (702) 547-2377. www.thegreatgreekgrill.com.