Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe & Lounge Awards

Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe & Lounge Restaurant Review:

The success of Paymon Raouf's Mediterranean café in the southeast part of town, which accelerated when he added the exotic Hookah Lounge, inspired him to open a similar restaurant in the booming southwest sector. Terra cotta walls adorned with colorful, modern framed prints, plus ceiling fans and trees, create a relaxing, smoke-free ambience for dining. (The smoking section is in the adjoining hookah bar and lounge, open until 1 a.m.) Saganaki (Greek cheese) flamed with Bacardi rum is a dramatic appetizer. Lentil soup is always comforting and warming, and the lebni, kefir cheese topped with olive oil, paprika and olives, is a great snack. Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) are served cold with rice and herbs and tzatziki sauce, and hot with seasoned lean ground beef, fresh tomato and rice, baked in a tangy tomato sauce. Traditional kebab choices include vegetable, chicken, ground beef and steak. A Mediterranean classic, the chicken curry, is served with basmati rice. We also suggest the spanakopita, a flaky phyllo pie filled with spinach, onions, imported feta and spices. Among desserts are baklava and Greek rice pudding.