In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd learns the history behind two long standing Houston restaurants that offer a delicious reminder of the Greek immigrant influence on Houston’s culinary roots.
Christie’s Seafood & Steaks | 6029 Westheimer Rd. Houston
At Christie’s, Houston’s longest running restaurant, Maria Christie tells Chris the story behind the restaurant that was founded in 1917 by Theodosios Christofidis, a Greek immigrant who Americanized his name to Theodore Christie.
Mr. Christie got his start selling fish sandwiches and Gulf shrimp along Galveston’s waterfront. In the 1930s, he moved to Houston, building a restaurant on South Main Street. Having no children of his own, Christie eventually offered the business to his longtime employee James Priovolos (Maria’s father) on the condition that James would change his last names to “Christie”. James agreed and the restaurant passed into the hands of a new generation.
Today, James’ wife Alexandra Christie and their children carry on the legacy and continue to serve Mr. Christie’s famous fish sandwich and Gulf shrimp alongside Greek inspired dishes like shrimp santorini and taramasalata dip - a whipped Greek Caviar that Chris says should be sold by the quart!
Cleburne Cafeteria | 3606 Bissonnet, Houston
Chris’ next stop is the Cleburne Cafeteria where everything is made from scratch and every day feels a little like Thanksgiving.
The Cleburne was opened in 1941 by Anabelle Collins and Martha Kavanaugh with their homespun Southern recipes. When the ladies were looking to sell in 1952, Greek immigrant Nick Mickelis purchased the cafeteria and its original recipes.
Today, Nick’s son George Mickelis runs the restaurant, carrying forward both the scratch-made homestyle menu and the welcoming, community spirit the cafeteria has become known for in Houston.
With over 20 entrees and 25 salads and sides offered daily, Chris has more options than he could possibly imagine. He selects a few dishes - and George serves up a few more - as he goes through the cafeteria’s hot line. Chris digs into one his favorites - carrot salad, and some items he’s never had before like the daily special - French Spaghetti (one of George’s dad’s creations).
Chris can’t leave without trying a few slices of pie as an homage to his grandfather. Watch the video to hear how cafeterias played a sweet role in their relationship!
“Eat Like a Local with Chris Shepherd” is your guide to the best food in Houston. Watch new episodes Saturdays at 10 a.m. on KPRC 2.
Season 3 of “Eat Like a Local”
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 56: Season 3 of ‘Eat Like a Local’ launches with chefs recognized by the James Beard Awards
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 57: Beer + Bites: Discover two of the Houston-area’s best craft breweries
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 58: Hungry for a short trip? 4 flavorful restaurants to try in Baytown
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 60: From tortas to paletas: Generations of Mexican-American flavor in Houston
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 61: Farmed Fresh: Gulf Coast oysters make waves in Houston restaurants
- SEASON 3, EPISODE 62: Houston’s pizza scene is rising: Chris Shepherd explores top spots for every style