One of my main criteria for quality in a small family run restaurant is a simple one – are the people that own it there. Across the board I have discovered that when I meet the owner by them stopping by my table asking, “How’s your meal?” it assures a quality meal. Why? Quality comes from diligence. An owner who is diligent in maintaining quality and meeting the needs of his/her clientele is one who is going to bring success. An owner who is more interested in making money than in making good food isn’t going to be an owner very long. Owner there = good. Owner not there = bad.
So when I’m sipping on my raspberry iced tea and looking over the menu full of true Greek choices and a sweet Greek ‘yaya” (Greek for “grandma”) stops by to introduce herself (Ellie Ashley), I know I’m going to have a good lunch. And again, my criteria proves correct – owner there = very good indeed. Ellie’s Kitchen is one of those perfect little family kitchens that savors quality and customer service instead of seeking a quick dollar with premade frozen foods and barely acceptable surroundings. From the cloth tablecloths to the mural covered walls Ellie’s is a great place for a nice (and reasonably priced) lunch or even an off the beaten path quiet and romantic dinner. The menu is filled with authentic Greek choices and has the homemade touches that make you want to come back again and again. The hummus is savory with the perfect balance of garlic and chickpeas. If you go and do not order it, then your meal will be incomplete. The homemade tzatziki is a perfect match with the gyros or just about anything else. Make sure to save room for the baklava – freshly made and delicious! I can’t wait to go back and try the chicken and dumplings, the lamb shank, the shiskabobs,… not sure there isn’t anything on the menu I don’t want to try. Plus they have choices for kids – a must when you have a picky eater who is likely to balk at the idea of eating hummus or Greek salad. (A side note – to provide an example of their quality and service – Ellie brought my picky 3 yr old a sesame cookie (her mother’s recipe) at the end of the meal. It’s more like being in a grandma’s kitchen than sitting in a restaurant!)
With the quality in both service and food it is easy to see why Ellie’s Kitchen is in the midst of expanding their seating. I hope that their expansion will not overextend them and they will continue to provide the same quality that has been their identity. Chances are with ‘yaya’ in charge, they only have greater and better ahead.
Ellie’s Kitchen and Catering
Next to Ace Hardware in the shopping center at the SW corner of 2351 and Friendswood Dr in Friendswood
Price: About $9 for lunch
Food Quality: *****
Service: *****
Ambience: ****
Notes: Don’t miss the hummus or baklava! Make sure to tell Ellie hello – she’ll be there, I’m sure!
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