Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Restaurants Jerusalem Brings Culinary Promise to Church Street
Posted by Carrington Fox on Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 5:01 AM
We stopped by the ever-changing building on Church Street that recently housed the short-lived restaurants Madras Bhavan and Fire & Ice. Now the space is occupied by Jerusalem restaurant, and let's hope this delightful Mediterranean eatery sticks around for a while.
Our maiden voyage was extremely successful, with a $7.99 all-you-can-eat buffet filled with falafel, hummus, yellow rice, tabouli, roasted chicken, stuffed grape leaves, lamb-and-vegetable stew and tender fava beans in a spicy broth, among other fresh and flavorful offerings. One of the most rewarding dishes was a medley of roasted vegetables, including red peppers, carrots, eggplants and mushrooms, accented with bright bits of lemon rind.
We enjoyed a few glasses of intensely sweet, piping-hot peppermint tea ($1.49 a glass—no free refills) and a small S-shaped cookie whose soft, velvety surface gave way to a core like fine, crisp shortbread. We left satisfied with both variety and volume, without the usual all-you-can-eat torpor.
We will definitely return to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, if you get there, let us know what you think.
Located at 1805 Church St., Jerusalem is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with lunch buffet available 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Carryout is available.
Comments (12)
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Upon reading this entry, we ventured to Jerusalem for lunch today. We were the only guests for quite a long time. The food was freshly prepared and wonderful. I sampled two types of lamb stew, falafel, hummus, salad, roasted chicken and the terrific veggie medley mentioned. I also tried the peppermint tea but mine was only lukewarm - still tasty, though. I'm definitely going to spread the word.
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Back to that veggie medley. It was just delicious, and remarkable because it was roasted long enough until the carrots had caramelized with chewy brown edges and the peppers were soft and melty. It is reason enough to make a trip.
joy and i went for lunch today and we liked it. great $8 value. but mostly, the people who run it are so nice. they really made it very pleasant. i thought their hummus was quite good although the pitas were little dried out cold pieces of cardboard. they should bring it to the table warmed. that'd be a big plus. i am sure if you asked them they would be happy to do it.
the salads and rice dishes were good. the falafel was well, ok. and the roasted veggies were kinda mushy and oily but still, quite tasty - that lemon rind is a winner. the meaty dishes were good too. everything had decent flavor and seemed pretty fresh.
joy and i both agreed that we'd go back.
I went there a week ago and I liked the food. It was freshly prepared and tasted good. The staff was pleasent. But I am still fixated on the Midetteranean Cuisine on 21st. I think they have the best Meddle Eastern food anywhere.
I have been going once a week for dinner and I love this food. It is always good and always fresh. The owner is always pleasant and willing to make anything you want. I have eaten in Jerusalem and the food is just as good if not better. Try it and you will always go back.
i made a trip out to Jerusalem and thought the food was outstanding. i would recommend this restaurant if you like exotic or even casual dining. The falafel, hummus, and all the varieties of flavorful meats and veggies just made me want to keep eating. the prices are very reasonable and would like anyone or everyone to go visit this restaurant if you are in the area. The employees are very kind and management is delightful. everyone has a kind, welcoming spirit and would gladly serve anyone. Enjoy it as much as i did. im sure you will.
has anyone done takeout from here? Hunkering down at home with some hummus and falafel sounds about right with this crazy weather! And I can go on my way home from work...
I went here w/ some business assoc./friends. I loved it so much I let my meetup group, "What the Pho?" know about it. They will be going there for lunch, soon, but unfort. I have to cookday scheduled. I can't wait to return there w/ my hubby and other friends in tow!
answer to your question amybakes there is take out. ask the owner to make you a falafel sandwich it is the best! try it with fried cauliflower and french fries all squished together sounds strange but it is delightful !!!
new lunch spot for sure. memorable dishes of today's buffet were the fattoush salad, quality hummus, peppery lentil soup, kafta kabab with stewed tomato and onion, thin-sliced grilled vegetables.
tops was an expertly baharat-spiced chicken/potato/cauliflower/rice dish (Maroush(sp?).
wholesome, rice-based arab cuisine. leave room for warm baklava - best around!
