"Oren's Hummus Shop 126 Castro St., 650-938-6736. . A branch of the mother ship in Palo Alto that specializes in authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, this spot by the Cal Train station offers a nice outdoor space that lets you fully enjoy the sound of the signals and passing trains. The food style reminds me of what I enjoyed at similar simple spots in Israel, and that should be no surprise since many of the basic ingredients are imported from there. A complimentary bowl of tangy coleslaw arrives with the menu and helps tide you over until your order arrives. Service can be slow. My menu favorite is the sampler plate that includes eggplant three ways and a slab of labane yogurt cheese, plus marinated beets Moroccan carrots, and fluffy pita breads. I always like to purchase some hummus and eggplant to go for my next day’s lunch."
