When Yia Yia Mary's comes into conversation, we automatically are plagued by the overwhelming scent of Lysol and fall into the fetal position. Commercials involving cleaning solutions come to mind as we reminisce about the most disappointing dining experience in Houston so far. Too harsh? You be the judge.
After months of hearing about Yia Yia Mary's, we finally stopped in for some mind boggling Greek food. Hummus has quickly climbed the list to become Houstonist's favorite appetizer and that was the first thing ordered. The slightly burned pita bread was well appreciated as the smoky flavor helped mask some of the overpowering lemon that was emanating from our dish. And to add insult to injury—they put lemons on the side of the hummus. Just in case we didn't get enough.
Let's take this moment to clarify that we have nothing against lemons. We like lemons. We just don't like our food to take like cleaning supplies. Nevertheless, we forged ahead to our entrees (a little sad since never has there been leftover hummus on our table before) hoping for the best. How hard could it be to make lamb kabobs? Evidently pretty difficult. Not only was the meat incredibly tough and chewy (not what we look for in lamb), it was. . .lemony. Kid you not, the entire dish tasted like lemons. After just a few bites, we pushed our plates aside and decided to attempt something completely different—flaming cheese. Even if there were lemons in the flaming cheese, surely it would be burned off a little, right? Well, this tactic only partially worked. The cheese they used had that stinkiness factor that you usually don't find with flaming cheese (our best guess: bleu cheese) and the amount of fuel they put on this sucker left a nice pool of liquid that just looked unappetizing.
Perhaps we'll give Yia Yia's another chance. But if we walk in that restaurant and catch even the faintest whiff of lemon, we're outta there.
Yia Yia Mary's Pappas Greek Kitchen
4747 San Felipe St
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Photo: flickr user
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Now that is one SERIOUS visual!
It was about a year ago, but we were seriously underwhelmed by Yia Yia Mary's. I don't remember the food being bad, just ho-hum.
I went a year and a half ago and I really liked it. I guess maybe things have changed since then. I'll still give them another shot and see what happens.
I haven't been in a year and a half, but, the pistachio ice cream and baklava cheese cake are lovely, or were? Maybe they still are. My last experience was a good one, but, things have a tendency to change - even if it's a Papa's restaurant.
i'll stick up for it, we went in april and i loved the heck out of it. had some kind of flaming appetizer that was just the bee's knees. i plan on going back.