Sargon B.'s Profile

The PLACE for middle eastern food!  We were even greeted by Guy, the owner.  He's friendly and has got a really gentle smile.
I liked the chicken plate - it comes with tender chicken tikka pieces, steamed rice, charbroiled tomatoes, greens, etc...  The portions can be large so come hungry.  Next time, I'll try the kakob.  I saw someone order the kabob plate and I was envious.
No need to worry, vegetarians can also feast here.  I also saw a sign that said the restaurant would respect the requests of patrons who order 'halal' so they have that taken care of too.
Will definitely come here again ;)

Great food. Great music.  This family run gem in the heart of Auburn has got the feel of a charming cantina.  I recommend everything including the drinks - just don't pig out on the chips / salsa too much, as you may not be able to finish the rest of your meal.

The only reason this place isn't getting 5 stars is because of the minimum charge per person.  Last time I went it was $25 for outdoor seating and more if you wanted to sit indoors.
I'd recommend going on a weekend night to check out the live entertainment.  The singer is great - he'll get you dancing in no time. Even folks who don't dance will wiggle waggle in their chairs or clap their hands together off beat.

DO: Go with friends, share food, get drinks, and get hookah, DANCE

Why 4 stars?
+ awesome entertainment and its fun watching older middle easterners have fun - they really know how to party
+ hookah, wine, and decent food
Why not 5 stars?
- minimum charge
- food is good, sometimes really good, but not great and there are better values elsewhere

A cave, a wedding hill that overlooks the beautiful scenery, and delicious bread sticks to snack on in between the wine tasting.  They have great wine as well!
I'd ask for Lewis  (maybe Louis) or Skyla. Both are great!
NOTE: Pack a picnic - there's a ton of outdoor seating.
WARNING: Make sure to have a designated driver since you'll want to enjoy the entire scenic windy drive up/down the hill.

Everybody loves Davood at the Bolani (East West Bolani) stand. Go there and he'll let you sample just about every combination of bolani (spinach, potato, lentil), hummus (sun dried tomato, garlic, traditional), garlic mint cheese, lentil curry, eggplant dip, cilantro mint pesto, and more to your heart's delight.  You'll feel so full afterwards that you won't feel like buying anything ;)
We come for the bolani and then get suckered into the lovely organic fruits / veggies.  I feel so good about myself afterwards - this must be what a granola feels like.  
DON'T PARK in the caltrain parking lot unless you want to wait 20 min for a spot.  Also, don't wait for a local to exit their parking space even if they're just about to leave - it's a Sunday morning and folks seem to take their time.  
This gets 5 stars because of the quality vendors, the caltrain convenience, the proximity to castro street, and ofcourse - EAST WEST BOLANI!!!

Lentil curry + spinach bolani + cilantro mint pesto is the way to any man's heart...atleast an ethnic heart.

We go to the Mt. View farmer's market on Sundays just for the bolani - the stuff is awesome toasted and can be used as a bread substitute for just about any meal.

If you're at the mt view market, then talk to Davood.  He's the tall guy with the curly hair - he's the friendliest vendor you'll meet.  The bolani and sauce family is lucky to have him.

The koobideh is awesome. The entertainment is great on weekend nights, especially the belly dancers.
Cons: pricey, really loud and hard to get in a good conversation if thats what you're there for.

If you're looking for awesome mediterranean food, there are other alternatives I'd suggest.

go there on a friday night when kaweh plays. order the tapas.
i'm giving this place 5 stars because castro street is a cool place to go for a walk after dinner and maybe even grab a gelato or go dancing.

Used to save up my appetite for the surf'n'turf burrito whenever I made the trek from the San Francisco Bay Area to visit my brother at USD. AWESOME food and great salsas / sauces.

Food is super yummy IF AND ONLY IF you know how to order here and you know what kind of service to expect.
Do you want some spicy sauce? You gotta ask for it.
Do you want a napkin? You gotta get up and go get it.
Do you want silverware? " "
Do you want some sumac spice? (You DO!! trust me) You gotta go and ask for it.

The bread made here comes out of the tandoor and its like a thick crispy warm naan bread and always works best with hummus.  You could also put some of the bread under you main dish to let the juices soak through.
I like the falafel, chicken breast kabob, and the koobideh kabob plates.  They also have some shawarma wraps that are delicious.
You're not here for the service or ambience.  You're here to eat great food and brush up on your Arabic.