Categories:
Grocery,
Middle Eastern,
Ethnic Food
Listed in: Top Restaurants, Central Iowa Food Finds
This is one of my favorite "secrets" in Ames. They have an extensive selection of delicious foods from the Levant and the Indian subcontinent. They have halaal meats, breads cheeses and fruit. This is the only place in town we can find the right yogurt to make real tzatziki sauce. My girlfriend and I enjoy visiting here just to browse and try something new. The proprietor is a real nice guy and shares his enthusiasm by making suggestions in pairings, usage and brands. Make sure to try one of the samosas next to the counter, and some medjool dates if you are shopping. They also have superb and unusual lunch items from their kitchen at a very reasonable price.
Make sure to try their freshly prepared samosas right next to the register. They are the best in town!
Category:
Breakfast & Brunch
Categories:
Desserts,
Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt,
Coffee & Tea
Categories:
Japanese,
Sushi Bars
Neighborhood: Downtown St. Paul
Listed in: Central Iowa Food Finds
"Former Yelp Elite Forces member who has gone off the farm."
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Review votes:
441 Useful, 128 Funny, and 169 Cool
Story City, IA
Yelping SinceJune 2007
Things I LoveTandoori, Hockey, Belgian Trappist Ales, Arena Football, & really, really expensive whiskey.
Find Me InCourt Ave, Main Street in Ames
My HometownBoulder, CO
My Blog Or Website Why You Should Read My ReviewsBecause I've been to California once.
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadThe Road to Serfdom
My Favorite MovieMiracle, Waiting
My Last Meal On EarthBig Ol' Bowl of Pho Soup.
I've been to Middle-Eastern restaurants in much larger cities and this is the the yard stick by which all others are judged. Sure it's in the back corner of a grocery store. Yes, it's a no-frills dining area, and self-service drinks. The halal quality food here is the star, and it's so bright. The owner is very helpful in guiding new patrons and old to what is good, and how it should be prepared.
The gyro meat here is the gold standard example of how it should work. Artfully created by hand and carved off the rotisserie to order. Couple this with exceptional tzatziki sauce, and some optional chili peppers and your are face-to-face with the most compelling gyro sandwich within hundreds of miles. The falafels are the lightest, crispiest and best tasting I've found anywhere. The consistency, freshness and mild flavor of the hummus here has ruined me for anything else.
They've ingeniously created several combos over the past year or so that allow patrons to experience their best items. I first time visitors' best bet would be the Gyro with Falafel Dinner, or the Kofta, Hummus and Falafel. My personal favorites are the Gyro and the chicken kebab.
This is one of the absolute must-try eateries in Ames.