Monday, April 23, 2012

2 stellar mediterranean / lebanese meals

I go through phases of only wanting to eat one type of food: hot pot, hawaiian plate, or poke. Recently, it's been mediterranean food. The garlicky-ness of the hummus and baba ganoush, the lemony flavor of the tabbouleh or grape leaves, and the spicy meats in the lamb or chicken shwarma.

Recently, I tried two (new to me) mediterranean restaurants, although I believe they've been around for quite some time.

The Olive Tree Cafe: on the backside of Kahala Mall, right next to Wahoo's Fish Tacos AND their own wine / greek ingredients deli / grocery. Perfect to pick up a bottle, since OTC is BYOB.

 Seating is limited but includes indoor & outdoor options. Tough to get seating unless you get there right when they open at 5 pm.
 We started with the baba ganoush AND the hummus.
 Close up of the hummus...
 ...and the baba ganoush. Both were delish, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with the baba ganoush (roasted eggplant mashed with garlic)
 Fresh fish shwarma (lamb or chicken are also options)
Then today we walked downtown with the intent of heading to the Doner Kebab place off of Fort Street Mall, but ended up at "good & healthy" lebanese, which is in the alley off King btw Alakea and Richards St.

The "lebanese veggie platter" ($9): tabbouleh, hummus, a grape leaf, tahini dressing salad, and 2 falafel balls.


The deets:

Olive Tree Cafe
4614 Kilauea Ave
Ste 107

Honolulu, HI 96816
Neighborhood: Kahala
(808) 737-0303

Good & Healthy Cafe
212 Merchant St
Ste 3

Honolulu, HI 96813
Neighborhood: Downtown
(808) 566-6365


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