It's so nice when you discover a new favorite place and for me it is Petra! A.k.a The Petra Mediterranean Restaurant.
You gotta love an entrance like this...
If it doesn't look familiar, this is The Treasury at Petra, it is a World Heritage site in Jordan. Go on, Wiki it or read more about it on the Petra restaurant website. (Maybe you saw it in Indiana Jones??)
We were a little late on our lunch, so it wasn't too full when we got there. The walls are warm but bright, and the Mediterranean decor adds character. We sat next to a little decorated corner nook, where I assume the belly dancers perform. If you want some belly dancing entertainment they are there every Friday and Saturday nights.
I'd been looking at the menu for a good week before we went and I still couldn't quite decide what to have... Mom started out with mint lemonade, and it was a nice beginning to the taste festival to follow.
I was absolutely going to try the dolmas! You can find dolmas at the olive bar at King Soopers, but they can't quite compare to the ones I had when I was a kid. Homemade is still homemade.
I'm very happy to say that the dolmas at Petra did indeed taste homemade, and were still warm from the kitchen! They were perfect. I wish they came in bucket-sized portions like KFC chicken.
I could have eaten nothing else and been perfectly happy. Oh but there was more.
Mom ordered the Vegetarian Green Bean Plate, and I ordered Okra with Beef. While we were waiting we saw someone receive their amazing looking gyro (maybe falafel or something else nestled in a pita) and I wanted to go over and take a bite out of it. So I guess I know what I'm getting next time.
First we received salads of fresh greens with an oil & vinegary dressing, along with plates of hummus and pita bread. Before I could stuff all of that in my face our entrees arrived.
Plates piled high with basmati rice and topped off with our selected yumminess.
I was almost too full by the time we got our main course to eat much of it but I dug in with my fork and pita and made a dent.
When we were finished, and our to-go boxes filled, the waiter asked us if we'd like baklava or other dessert. The correct answer to that question is "yes please!" but I just didn't think it would fit.
Earlier I had spied with my little eye a bottle on the bar...*gasp* Is that...? Why yes! It's one of my favorite drinks of all time! It is also very hard to find! It is called Arak, and it's heavenly. The only other person I've known to have a bottle had to have it shipped from overseas so this was exciting for me. It has such a pure anise taste that even my mother was tempted to lick out the shot glass.
Abe, the owner of Petra came over all smiles to chat and tell me where his Arak came from. Apparently all I have to do is go to Daveco! Or...just keep coming back to Petra I suppose. Then Abe will have to go to Daveco. ;)
He didn't seem quite sure I knew what I was getting in to when he offered me a drink and I said I drank it straight. He told us about a drink called Lion's Milk that you can make with Arak and water which I'll have to try. We also met his lovely daughter Ons, who is planning on making a movie this summer...a crime thriller at the pool I believe. Da-da-daaaaa.
And then...he brought us out a piece of baklava to try, which his wife had made. I love them both for it. It was amazing. Not too gooey or sweet, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, and with a little treat of rose or orange blosson in the middle. (Originally I thought it was rose but he said she also uses orange blossom, which I think it tasted more like after he reminded me.)
There is so much on the menu I can't wait to try! I hope to go back often! It's a great place for lunch outtings, dinners, dates, family, anything. If you go for "Attitude Adjustment Time" you can get 50% off house wines, and sample Mazah plates for $1.99. (Fri & Thurs 2:30-5pm)
If you get the chance say hello to Abe, he's happy to hear your feedback.
Enjoy!!
Like them on Facebook, or check out the menu on their website!
You gotta love an entrance like this...
If it doesn't look familiar, this is The Treasury at Petra, it is a World Heritage site in Jordan. Go on, Wiki it or read more about it on the Petra restaurant website. (Maybe you saw it in Indiana Jones??)
We were a little late on our lunch, so it wasn't too full when we got there. The walls are warm but bright, and the Mediterranean decor adds character. We sat next to a little decorated corner nook, where I assume the belly dancers perform. If you want some belly dancing entertainment they are there every Friday and Saturday nights.
I'd been looking at the menu for a good week before we went and I still couldn't quite decide what to have... Mom started out with mint lemonade, and it was a nice beginning to the taste festival to follow.
I was absolutely going to try the dolmas! You can find dolmas at the olive bar at King Soopers, but they can't quite compare to the ones I had when I was a kid. Homemade is still homemade.
I'm very happy to say that the dolmas at Petra did indeed taste homemade, and were still warm from the kitchen! They were perfect. I wish they came in bucket-sized portions like KFC chicken.
I could have eaten nothing else and been perfectly happy. Oh but there was more.
Mom ordered the Vegetarian Green Bean Plate, and I ordered Okra with Beef. While we were waiting we saw someone receive their amazing looking gyro (maybe falafel or something else nestled in a pita) and I wanted to go over and take a bite out of it. So I guess I know what I'm getting next time.
First we received salads of fresh greens with an oil & vinegary dressing, along with plates of hummus and pita bread. Before I could stuff all of that in my face our entrees arrived.
Plates piled high with basmati rice and topped off with our selected yumminess.
I was almost too full by the time we got our main course to eat much of it but I dug in with my fork and pita and made a dent.
Okra with Beef
Green Bean Vegi
When we were finished, and our to-go boxes filled, the waiter asked us if we'd like baklava or other dessert. The correct answer to that question is "yes please!" but I just didn't think it would fit.
Earlier I had spied with my little eye a bottle on the bar...*gasp* Is that...? Why yes! It's one of my favorite drinks of all time! It is also very hard to find! It is called Arak, and it's heavenly. The only other person I've known to have a bottle had to have it shipped from overseas so this was exciting for me. It has such a pure anise taste that even my mother was tempted to lick out the shot glass.
Abe, the owner of Petra came over all smiles to chat and tell me where his Arak came from. Apparently all I have to do is go to Daveco! Or...just keep coming back to Petra I suppose. Then Abe will have to go to Daveco. ;)
He didn't seem quite sure I knew what I was getting in to when he offered me a drink and I said I drank it straight. He told us about a drink called Lion's Milk that you can make with Arak and water which I'll have to try. We also met his lovely daughter Ons, who is planning on making a movie this summer...a crime thriller at the pool I believe. Da-da-daaaaa.
And then...he brought us out a piece of baklava to try, which his wife had made. I love them both for it. It was amazing. Not too gooey or sweet, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, and with a little treat of rose or orange blosson in the middle. (Originally I thought it was rose but he said she also uses orange blossom, which I think it tasted more like after he reminded me.)
There is so much on the menu I can't wait to try! I hope to go back often! It's a great place for lunch outtings, dinners, dates, family, anything. If you go for "Attitude Adjustment Time" you can get 50% off house wines, and sample Mazah plates for $1.99. (Fri & Thurs 2:30-5pm)
If you get the chance say hello to Abe, he's happy to hear your feedback.
Enjoy!!
Like them on Facebook, or check out the menu on their website!
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