Article and photo via Westchester Magazine
Gyros, souvlaki, and spanakopita are just some of the classic Greek dishes to get excited about at Harrison’s new Dimitris Gyro Grill. Open since June 18, the restaurant, run by husband-wife duo (and Harrison residents) Peter and Kelly Thomas, is a project that’s close to the family’s heart. “It was a dream of mine and my brother’s,” says Peter. “He passed a few years ago….[When] this opportunity to open a Greek restaurant became available, I thought since I couldn’t bring my brother back, I could at least bring our dream back.”
Since the family has Greek heritage, and Greece is one of their favorite places to visit, they wanted to use their experiences to bring affordable Greek food to the community. “We wanted to make the restaurant look like it was in Greece,” explains Kelly. “We love everything about Greece — the food, the culture, the beaches. We wanted to bring a little of it to Harrison.”Feel like you’re looking out onto the country’s famed landscapes with three painted murals, from the famous island of Mykonos to beautiful (and romantic) Santorini, and the colorful, quaint island of Milos. White walls, “Athens Blue paint,” and stone accents channel even more of the Greek Isles.
More authentic still are the owner’s recipes: homemade tzatziki sauce, salads, and pita chips, all packed with Greek spices. “We try to make food [that tastes like] Greece and what we loved growing,” Kelly shares. “Some of these recipes date back to grandmothers and great-grandmothers.”
After you’re done eating fresh lemon potatoes, falafel, Greek burgers, and traditional gyro, packed with tomatoes, onions, special sauce, and French fries (as the Greeks do), try something sweet, such as rice pudding, thick yogurt with honey and walnuts, baklava, or Greek Coffee. “We love everything about Harrison and the community,” says Kelly. “Greeks are known for their hospitality, so we want to make sure you don’t leave hungry.”
Dimitris Gyro Grill
267 Halstead Ave
Harrison
914.630.4976