$5-$9 Entrees
As I have mentioned in a previous post, my husband's family on his father's side is Lebanese. This interesting heritage does not stop my husband from being a typical American (a.k.a. "unadventurous eater"). Therefore, it is left to me to patronize Naji's Pita Gourmet, a Middle Eastern cafe and market.
Naji's interior displays a joyful phantasmagoria of Lebanese and family-oriented memorabilia, including first communion portraits, hookahs, little dark-haired baby pictures, and mementos from ancestors past. (Hookahs are not bongs, by the way. Think "caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland.") As I entered, the owner stood in the foyer, speaking Arabic, a velvety, melodic language. The cafe resembles an indoor hamburger stand, with picnic benches and plastic ware. We are talking casual, folks. The friendly cashier/cook is a mother of five with the multitasking skills to prove it.
Middle Eastern fare is a close cousin of Mediterranean, with shared ingredients, such as feta, lamb, cucumbers, chickpeas, olives, and yogurt. Some of you may be relieved to find that Naji's serves its kibbi cooked, rather than raw to be dipped in hot butter. I was not one of those people, but understand one must adhere to the health code. The hommos is perfect, but the pita a little dry, rather than the chewy consistency I prefer. The baba ghanouge is well made and the tabouli delightful, if short on fresh mint. Naji's meat pies, redolent of garlic and cumin, are made with beef and parsley on pita. Although served with plain yogurt, they are best dipped in tzaziki. The pickle detracts from the otherwise balanced flavors of the gyro, but perhaps they would be willing to hold the pickle? No matter what you order, be prepared to strap on the feed bag. This inexpensive restaurant will ply you with generous portions. When you go, be sure to take time to browse the disorderly market boasting exotic, imported ingredients not to be found anywhere else in Birmingham.
2.5 Kudzu
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