RESTAURANT
Rarer to central Ohio are the soujouk, a spicy sausage, and makanek, a milder version, both made of halal beef, not pork, per Islamic dietary standards.
Most appetizers are in the $7 to $9 range.
The menu takes a few detours into Western territory with dishes such as the falafel burger and falafel tacos.
Otherwise, he said, customers can expect a Lebanese experience, with a fattoush salad, red lentils and bulgur wheat (mujadara hamra), and beef and chicken shawarma.
Grilled meats are prominently featured on the menu.
Grilled lamb chops, one of the featured dishes, are marinated overnight.
“The lamb chops are going to be the bomb, because it’s my mother’s recipe,” Albast said.
The arayes pita platter has seasoned ground beef stuffed into homemade bread.
In addition to other beef, lamb and chicken entrees, Mr. Hummus Grill has a few seafood options, such as the red snapper, fried or baked whole.
Entrees are generally $14 to $19; mixed-grill platters, which serve more than one person, are priced higher.
Mr. Hummus Grill has opened without a liquor license.
There are, however, an assortment of teas and coffee, soft drinks, smoothies and fresh-squeezed vegetable and fruit drinks.
More traditional choices for dessert include muhallabia, a style of pudding, and knafeh, shredded phyllo filled with a sweet-cheese blend. Both are topped with ground pistachios.
“It’s always been my dream” to own a restaurant, Albast said.
Albast, who’s also a partner in Midnight Hookah in Italian Village, said he sold his food trucks because the business was so weather-dependent. But he plans to hit the road again eventually. “We will go back,” he said. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 614-273-4444.
Naan disclosure
Look for homemade naan at Food Hamati: Mediterranean Street Food, which has replaced Ka Ren Market at 5875 Sawmill Road.
The Jordanian restaurant, owned by Ahmed Nababta and Mohammad Qatanani, uses the traditional flatbread to make wrap sandwiches.
The 15-seat restaurant also offers a mix of popular salads, platters and starters. One of the specialties is spit-toasted shawarma.
Most entrees cost $8 to $13; appetizers are $4 to $6.
Nababta added that the restaurant also is known for its garlic sauce — a mayonnaisebased mixture that has the right amount of kick — which is served with many dishes.
That’s the ticket
Passport 196 in Upper Arlington has rolled out a brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.
A couple of highlights: “Passport Benny,” a take on eggs Benedict served in a castiron skillet, and “Eggleston” omelet — smoked pork belly, potatoes, pickled cherry peppers, smoked gouda and green onion, with fresh guacamole and pico de gallo on top.
Troy Bellot, a partner in the restaurant, at 2186 Fishinger Road, said the brunch menu soon will be expanded to Saturdays, too.