"Now, this was the first time I've been here, and I plan to go back and try more menu items, so this is not a complete review. I saw an article in a local food mag about this place with glowing reviews, so after 9 years living here, I decided to try it. It's high lunch time and the place is bussling. There are few tables inside for the amount of people, but a pretty patio can be found outside. If it were a little cooler, I would have gone there, but I decide to take it to go.
I ordered a vegetarian platter and several pastries, then decide to check out the store area while I wait. They packed a lot into the little space, and while I love the selection, a lot wasn't marked as to what it was or price, so it was hard to shop. They have a great selection of hard to find herbs, specialty food items, a little fresh produce, candies, drinks, and a large assortment of imported deli cheeses. The cheese could have been better displayed by far, but the selection is epic. A very sweet young man talked to me about several cheeses, giving me samples, and helping me decide what to get. He made the experience for me as I was a little overwhelmed on the store side.
Once I got home and tried the food itself, I was underwhelmed. The hummus was excellent as was the tahini sauce, pita, and falafel. The lentil rice dish was okay, but nothing on NuNus, and the tabouli was not nearly as good as Zorbas. The cabbage roll was too squishy in texture and flavorless (again, I am comparing to NuNus).
As for the pastries, the date bar was super heavy on the rosewater, but the strudel and the baklava were fabulous. All in all worth the trip as I got to try some decent food, get some awesome cheese, and meet great staff. I will keep trying!"
