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There is something distinct and almost Norman Rockwell-ish about the Hamont Grill and Steakhouse. Maybe it is the worn linoleum floor that has seen repeat customers, out-of-towners and GIs passing through over the years. Perhaps it is the paisley vinyl on booth benches, where families, business associates and young couples have broken bread together. Maybe it’s the wall by the cash register where pictures, certificates of appreciation, and newspaper articles collected over the years are displayed.
{mosimage} Surely, all of these things are part of the charm that makes up the old time diner atmosphere; however, the people who frequent the establishment also help to make the down-home scene complete.
On the day I visited there was a toddler having lunch with his “mimi,” while a few seats away two older ladies lunched and chatted animatedly with a middle-aged man at their table. A group of what seemed to be business associates huddled over a nearby table working out what seemed to be very serious business plans.
My favorite was the customer who yelled to the chef “Your onion rings are horrible!” as she grinned at the waitress, handed her an empty plate and wiped her mouth with a napkin. Noticing my dismay, she said with a wave of her hand, “I’ve known him forever. I can say that. Actually, they are quite delicious ... You should try them.”
I didn’t make it to the onion rings this time, although they are on my list. Instead, I treated myself to a glass of water, Greek salad, a gyro with fries and a piece of Baklava for dessert. The salad was all that I was hoping for: lettuce, onion, kalamata olives and a ton of feta cheese with a brightly flavorful vinaigrette dressing. My gyro was a toasty warm piece of pita bread, open-faced on the plate with seasoned meat, lettuce and a few tomato slices. The creamy white tziziki sauce was in a separate small bowl. I happily spread the sauce on the bread, piled on veggies, folded the pita in half and treated myself to the medley of flavors that blends so well. The fries were crispy on the outside and feather-soft inside, not too greasy — just perfect for dunking into the puddle of ketchup on the side of my plate. The baklava was the perfect ending to my meal. The layers of paper-thin dough layered with nuts crunched delightfully when I bit down and a drop of honey dribbled onto my chin sending me reaching for my napkin.
If the food was exactly what I was hoping for, the service only enhanced my experience. The waitresses were fast and friendly and seemed intent on serving their customers good food, giving them a cheerful smile and keeping their beverage glasses full. I am sure that it can be hard to find that balance between providing good service and being a bother to your customers, but the waitresses at the Hamont Grill have it down to a science.
Even if you are not a fan of Greek food, don’t let that stop you from giving this gem of an eatery a try. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer a wide selection of food choices at decent prices. My entrée cost $8.99 and left me feeling full and completely satisfied. I was in and out in well under an hour, well-fed, well-served and ready to finish up my day.
Tradition and Food Come Together in Haymount
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