Showing posts with label MIDDLE EASTERN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MIDDLE EASTERN. Show all posts

Friday, March 4, 2011

Shawarma King

Price: $
Thoughts: ☆☆☆☆
(Website and Menu not available)


Hummus and Pita Bread


This was a suggested restaurant from pictures that were spotted on someone's Facebook. After a little looking around and with no luck on seeing their website I had no choice but to rely solely on the reviews of fellow Yelpers.

A very casual restaurant with a homely feel. The walls were adorned with many Egyptian plates and statues and had very vivid tapestries draped along the walls. Their menu was angled downwards from the ceiling so you had to crane your neck as if you were sitting in the front row of the movie theater, an awkward angle for all heights. The first thing we ordered were two beef/lamb shawarmas which we later added a side of hummus and pita as well.


Lamb/Beef Shawarma


Prior to ever trying a shawarma, I have always been confused as to what the differences between a shawarma and a gyro were. A shawarma seems to resemble a burrito stuffed with extremely tender slow-cooked meats that you would typically find in your gyro, except it is rolled in a similar fashion to a burrito. The meat is also diced rather than laid down in strips as seen in many gyros I've had. On the topic of the meat in the shawarma. I found it difficult to actually distinguish the taste of the meat itself, as it was completely overwhelmed with the flavors from the rest of the ingredients inside (which is not entirely a bad thing).

The service was quick and humble, but the food is definitely good. We gazed at another dish being served to another table which looked very appetizing as well (we were unsure of the dish but I will take a picture of their menu next time).

I will definitely suggest coming here if you are craving for some great tasting Egyptian food. Don't expect a single shawarma and hummus to fill you up though. But it will curb your cravings.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Bistro 9

Price: $$
Thoughts: ☆☆☆½
Bistro 9: Menu



Bistro 9's Menu


A chalk easel with today's specials


One of the two restaurants I went to while in San Francisco visiting a friend and my family over the Christmas holiday. She frequents this restaurant after work and suggested we give it a shot.

There is something about hand drawn chalk menus that really attracts me. Bistro 9 had a nice one sitting just outside of it's entrance. I did notice that it was a bit on the empty side but hey it wasn't peak hours (not to mention it was the day before Christmas). So as always, reservations aside I went in with an open-mind.


House bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar


The Moussaka: eggplant + potatoes +onions + mushrooms + cheese + served with couscous


Her usual choice is the moussaka (which I almost got, but opted for a suggestion made by the waitress). I was given a pretty generous share of her plate and it was definitely good. Unlike most dishes I've had with eggplant, it's taste did not overpower the dish as a whole. Which worked out nicely (then again Indian food does not hold back on spices).


the lamb moussaka


As for myself, I ended up with the Lamb Moussaka. I am a little preferential to lamb meat. Okay I lied, I'm very partial to it. Anyways, the meal went down really quickly and the meat was very tender as I should expect.

This place despite it's lack of customers that night is definitely worth making a visit to, especially to those who love Indian food.