More Than Greek

Hanover Lifestyle . January / February 2019

IT’S MORE THAN GREEK TO ME: Moussakes galaktobouriko finikia? That’s Greek to me… and to everyone, actually! I found these words on the menu of an absolute gem of a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, More than Greek, located on the corner of Atlee Road and Meadowbridge Road (8161 Atlee Road) in Mechanicsville. Since Denise Katz purchased it in August 2018, she has kept the recipes of the former owner, but she is using her own experience – both in business and growing up in the restaurant industry – to take this spot to the next level.

During my lunch visit, I was impressed at how the staff worked together and served their customers as if they were part of some big family that I instantly wanted to be a part of. A waitress walked around offering a tray of baklava for patrons to sample, and each time a customer entered, a manager greeted them warmly. This truly is a family affair – Denise’s youngest enjoys playing pastry chef when she’s not playing basketball, her middle child is on the wait staff – even her eldest (who isn’t local) is married into a large Greek family. Denise’s husband is also hands-on in the operation and maintenance of the restaurant.

For my lunch visit, I chose the Greek Pikilia for its variety – spanakopita, tiropita, hand-rolled dolmades, hummus, warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce and more. The impressive portion of food for under $10 more than filled me, and I gladly took a to-go box – there’s no wasting food THAT good! Their recipes – including their hearty soups, salad dressings, tzatziki, hummus, and dolmades – are all homemade on site. Their array of beautiful – and equally tasty – desserts would make a perfect party tray, including their best-selling Greek classic baklava.

I wished aloud that I could take some of that tzatziki sauce home, and I was delighted when Denise told me that they were working on “Greek to go” options available in the coming year, in addition to the catering options they already offer. Additional plans for 2019 include updating menus (don’t fret about your favs – they’ll be making additions, no subtractions!), parking improvements, interior upgrades, specialty coffee drinks, and possibly a food truck, to name a few!

Head over for a Pikilia of your own – or one of their best sellers, the lamb gyro – and they’ll make you part of the family, too! Check the full menu out online.