Thira Restaurant is named in honor of the island that it derives its philosophy on hospitality from.  For those who do not know, traditional Greek food is not taken lightly and is the main feature of many events and evenings.  People gather for hours and talk and drink bottles of wine and at Thira that tradition remains the same.  This is an upscale casual restaurant that will give you the feeling of being in a Houston’s yet comfortable like you are part of the family.

Like many ethnic restaurants, Thira’s menu features the official Greek names as well as the English explanations and is relatively uncomplicated.  After ordering, they brought out sliced multi-grain bread with hummus that had a twist: olive oil, minced garlic, and Balsamic Vinegar.  Following that, was the Horiatiki that is a traditional Greek tomato and cucumber salad with peppers, onions, Kalamata Olives and feta with a drizzling of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar.  Cheese lovers beware!  Next thing you know a waiter is bringing out this metal dish and, literally, lights it on fire!  The Saganaki is really pan-fried Kefalotiri Cheese with lemon that is lightly crispy on the outside with sheer gooeyness of love on the inside.  Then the main dish arrived, grilled chicken Kebobs that were so good that when I took the first bite I moaned. And I'm not making that up!  The only difference between the Kebobs and the Souvlaki is that the Kebobs have onions, green and red peppers on the skewers and are delicious.  You have a choice of Chicken breast, Filet Mignon, or Lamb Tenderloin and I recommend the Chicken.  With four large pieces of meat it suffices as a true entrée.   

While eating at the bar I made the acquaintance of a woman on a business trip that had traveled extensively and we talked right up until she was about to walk out the door about traveling, work, life, and books and I left feeling like I brightened her day and most definitely vice versa.  Now, I have eaten many times at the bar in a variety of different restaurants, but the atmosphere was so warm, inviting, and relaxing it really made it possible to connect with other people.  It also didn’t hurt that she shared her Ekmek desert that looked and tasted like Tiramisu.  All I have left to say about Thira is, Yia Mas!