I will often tell folks at work who ask me "how did you figure that out", the simple phrase "Google is your friend". And I truly believe that in certain cases. Take for example, Garlic & Tahini. I really don't think I would have found the place if I hadn't Googled "garlic sauce + Mira Mesa". Harvest Market has closed and the Missus was craving the garlic paste. An interesting place appeared on my search; Garlic and Tahini Egyptian Kitchen. I noticed two locations; one in La Jolla, which seemed to be a restaurant and the other on Mesa Rim Road, which seemed to be another area chocked full of business parks; like Hawaiian Fresh Seafood. I noticed a website; which led me to an online order form. I decided to go for it and placed an order; basically it's a "make-your-meal" type ordering.....you know, pitas, bowls, or salads, pick your protein. I also ordered a container of garlic sauce to take home.
My GPS led me to Flanders Drive; the street right past Huennekens (why do I always call it Heinekens?)...the way to HFSF. Down Flanders, right on Mesa Rim Road and eventually a sign......
In a business park.
Whereupon I saw another set of signs and parked in one of the stalls.
Then walked to the doorway to the right of the signs.
Then thru the doorway......
And right into a commercial kitchen. Yes, I know that the concept of Ghost Kitchens are a hot topic right now..... There were quite a few packages lined up on one of the tables.
I called out a rather hesitant "hello" and a really friendly gentleman came on over and I mentioned having placed an order online. He thanked me and said my order would be ready in a minute and he'd be happy to bring it out to my vehicle. So, I went ahead and waited in my car and soon enough he brought out a package with my stuffs.
Back at the office, I unpacked my order. I had gotten a Beef Shawarma Pita, a side of Falafel (five pieces) and an 8 ounce container of Garlic Sauce.
The first thing I noticed when I bit into my pita was the bread itself; which was more fluffy than standard issue pita. It also had a hint of sweetness; which actually wasn't a bad thing at all.
The beef had been chopped and was a bit on the chewier side. I enjoyed the diced tomatoes and onions....and even the parsley; though the Tahini was really mild in flavor and am used to to a more assertive sesame seed flavor.
The exterior of the Falafel were really crisp; though the interior was more gritty than I prefer. I enjoy a bit of light - creaminess in my falafel and I prefer Mister Falafel to the version here. Maybe if we hadn't gone to Israel/Palestine/Jordan late last year, I'd have enjoyed it more. I also preferred using the garlic sauce I purchased to the tahini that was included with the falafel.
Speaking of the Garlic Sauce......this version is truly a sauce and not a paste. As it was fairly thin; not a bad thing at all in this case.
While not as strong in terms of garlic flavor; I did like the texture as it was nice drizzling on salads, veggies, and frittatas - here's a Soppressata - Chard - Potato Frittata I recently made.
I'll definitely purchase more of this.
A week later, I decided on trying a couple of other items I'd seen on the menu and was interested in. So, I placed another online orders and went to pick it up.
Same drill; I ducked in, said hello, and waited for my order outside.
This time I tried the Mesa'aa (Eggplant) and Fool (Fava Bean) Pitas, along with a side of Baba Ghanouj.
I really enjoyed the Mesaa'a; it had a mild spice, was well seasoned, and had a wonderful texture and acidity/tanginess. A definite keeper.
The mashed fava beans was milder in flavor, you could still make out a mild nuttiness, and the tomatoes and pickles really helped it out.
I was told to be careful of the "spicy" finish of the Baba Ghanouj, but I found it quite mild and lacking in the smokiness I expect in the dish.
In the end; I was happy to have found a couple of items I enjoyed from Garlic & Tahini, it's gratifying to support our local businesses during this time, especially in the case of such nice folks like this. I'll definitely be getting more Garlic Sauce, Mesaa'a, and Fool.
Garlic & Tahini Egyptian Kitchen
9932 Mesa Rim Road
San Diego, CA 92121
Hours - takeout only:
Mon - Wed 11am - 3pm
THurs 11am - 8pm
Fri - Sat 11am - 9pm
Sunday 11am - 8pm
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