Abraj Mediterranean Restaurant- a first look

mmm-yoso is not on vacation; Kirk is. Cathy will be playing His part on the blog today.  ed (from Yuma) is unavailable.

There is another new Mediterranean place near SDSU.  It is East of College Avenue on the South side of El Cajon Boulevard. One of few places open late in San Diego (until 2 a.m Sun-Thurs and until 4 a.m. Fri-Sat), you'll see it if you are driving in the evening.
During the day, you may not notice, since it is in a strip mall  ( next to the check cashing place).
Not very large, very clean, with an overhead menu...you order, pay, have a seat and your food is brought out.
We started with a falafel appetizer ($5.95) (the online menu has changed).  These were good.  Now that I have had 'real' falafel, made with fresh (not powdered) chickpeas,  I look for something superior to the falafel I consider to be the best.  The falafel here come in second; I have to do more research. Falafel here are light on the interior, with a good garlic and parsley flavor, light yet crispy fried exterior and not greasy.  Served with the fresh (lemony-light garlic) hummus on the plate, I have no complaints.
The gyros plate, with a side of lentil soup (~$9).  An excellent rice, Basmati, cooked with  toasted angelhair vermicelli and gently flavored with turmeric and something making the rice taste buttery-rich and fresh parsley.  The gyros meat was sliced thick and was excellent in taste and in portion size.

The lentil soup.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Yes, goodness.  There was some vermicelli in the soup and it was thick (in a good way) with lentils (both red and green) and vegetables.  The deep, rich  flavors made me want to be certain to just order this as a side next time I drop in.
A combo plate with a beef Kufta kabob (~$9) and salad.  The salad was fresh with cucumber, radish slices and red and yellow bell peppers and a good oil/vinegar/herb dressing.  The kabob had a great flavor of spices.  I think it was zatar (tarragon, sumac and sesame) but also tasted some cumin and maybe ginger...anyway, it was good, juicy, moist but not greasy.  Both of the plates were served with a plate of plain (not baked here) pita bread.
I have been on the lookout for a fresh baked bread, ever since going to Alforon with ed (from Yuma) and Tina and The Mister in December (hmm, one of us needs to post on that).  This was just standard pita. However, all the other food was on the edge of excellent and all the food was very fresh.
The Mister had ordered without any beverage, and I asked for a Turkish coffee ($2.50) to sort of have for dessert...The nice young lady ordered it from the Hookah Lounge a few doors down and brought it to our table.  A very fresh, excellent cup of Turkish coffee. 

The website states they use the "freshest organic produce and meats available".  The menu inside has breakfast items, and we will be going back to try those. 

Abraj Mediterranean Restaurant 6475 El Cajon Boulevard 92115 (619) 255-3566 Open 10 am, closes 2 am Sun-Th, closes 4 am, Fri-Sat    Website (may have old prices)

Comments

[Carol]

What's in a Turkish coffee?

[Cathy]

Good question, Carol! I had thought to explain, but was (literally) running out of the house when I had finished the post...
Turkish coffee is a *method* of making coffee and not a type of bean or roast...powdered coffee (about 6 grams per 65 mL water... or 1+ Tbs in 1/2 C water) is boiled in a small pot *with* a sugar cube or two, then the whole is poured into an espresso size cup and the 'dregs' of powder sink to the bottom of the cup. No milk. I like mine with just one sugar cube.

[caninecologne]

very nice post! i was recently in that area (sd desserts and pubcakes) and saw alforon.i'll have to look for abraj next time and stop by. i like the look of that falafel appetizer. i think my husband would enjoy that turkish coffee too.

[Ish]

Great post, Cathy. Always thrilled to find another place in SD open late - the fact that it's tasty Med food is a bonus!

[Cathy]

Alforon and its bread based items are *the* best, cc. All of the other food items at Abraj were really fresh and wonderful and apparently organic. I choose coffee or tea or water as a beverage with my meals lately. Having Greek gyros and Turkish coffee tasted so right.
Thanks, Ish. The food here is great. Parts of the mall seem to be pretty busy in the late evening.