Fairouz Restaurant & Gallery

Okay, I know it...I got some nerve doing a post on a Buffet right after Thanksgiving! Guilty as charged. And admittedly, I'm not quite the expert on Buffets and Brunches as Jim the Brunchmaster, who should probably write a "Brunches and Buffets for Dummies" book. But I've had photos of Fairouz just taking up space on my hard drive, so.......

Fairouz has a regular menu,  but we've mostly stuck to the buffet, which is $8.99 for lunch and $12.99 for dinner. And in the realm of the Hometown Buffets and various Chinese Buffets, I think that Fairouz is a nice change of pace. Though the sign says "Greek Buffet", I'd say that there are almost as many, or more Lebanese and Mediterranean buffet items.

On this visit to Fairouz, I noticed that the interior had been painted, and some additional lighting added, giving Fairouz a brighter cleaner looking interior. It had obviously been a while since my last visit.

If you think the interior slightly resembles an Art Gallery, you wouldn't be too far from the truth. The Owner of Fairouz, Ibrahim Al Nashashibi, is quite an artist, and his acrylics and water colors adorn the walls of Fairouz.

As for the buffet, there is a nice variety of items, with slight changes everyday. One thing I always notice are the description cards for the buffet items are not always placed correctly...for instance, on this day the Moussaka was labeled as Okra. For some reason I always find humor in this.

And though there are several meat items, like the Kofta Meatballs and Roasted Chicken pictured above, I usually end up enjoying the various starches and vegetable dishes more than the protein items. As you head for the buffet warm toasted pita magically appears on your table.

Okay, two types of potato, and saffron rice...do you think I got enough starch? I should practice what I preach, the Gyros meat was the only item that I really didn't care for. I enjoyed the Fava and Garbanzo beans, the Okra, and the Eggplant dishes.

Though my favorite dishes at Fairouz are the cold Garlic Potatoes, a vinegary, salty, and slightly garlicky "salad", and the various pickled cabbages.

I also enjoy the Rice Pudding with Rosewater as a refreshing end to my meal.

What's that red thingy? It had a sweet, fruity flavor, with a touch of rose water flavoring. I had to ask....it's Fruit Punch Jello! The yellow version is licorice flavored jello......

As buffets go, I think Fairouz is pretty good, and Al Nashashibi is a very mellow and nice Guy. So if you have a group of people, with vegetarians in tow, Fairouz may not be a bad option.

Fairouz Restaurant & Gallery
3166 Midway Dr
San Diego, CA 92110

(619) 225-0308

Comments

[Kathy]

Fruit punch jello?! Why, I thought Hawaii would have been the first to create something like that :)

[Passionate Eater]

Haha, a buffet is a PERFECT post-Thanksgiving meal Kirk! And I'd love to read a "Buffet for Dummies" book! You gotta give the readers tips to get their money's worth--like expanding their stomachs with water a day or two in advance!

[Kirk]

Hi Kathy - Funny, I had the same thought....doesn't taste what I think Fruit Punch Jello would be, though.

Hi PE - LOL! Expanding your stomach? I think you should write that book. Remind me never to challenge you to an eating contest.

[Captain Jack]

Dude,

I was there about a year ago and it was very tasty. I should go back.

[mizducky]

Mediterranean buffet--yum! Definitely need to check this out.

[Kirk]

Hi Capt Jack - Yes, the food is pretty good as buffets go.

Hi Mizducky - Yes, I think it's worth your while.

[The Office Goat]

I once heard a guy advocating a diet of RC cola and salted peanuts for pre-holiday/buffet stomach expansion. He said the RC was the highest-carbonation cola and that the salt peanuts would help it foam up even more! Urp...

[Kirk]

Hi TOG - Sounds like a major bubbly stomach, and many trips to the restroom! The things people go through never cease to amaze me!