When I stumbled into the genial world of Mediterranean Restaurant on a charming street in Carmel by the Sea, California, I was flustered.
I realized about five steps away from my Jeep that had I locked the keys inside. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do about that, so I decided to just sit down, have a good meal, complete a scheduled phone interview — and THEN figure out what to do. I assumed I could call a locksmith, but when my meal was finished I realized I had locked my billfold inside the truck. Double recipe for disaster! But the folks in this very special place were as kind as their spanakopita was delicious, and it all turned out for the best.
One of three restaurants owned by Faifal Nimri and Bashar Sneeh, Mediterranean Restaurant was designed to be as cozy and comfortable as a family’s dining room, complete with stained-glass, old world chandeliers, decorative tablecloths and gorgeous burnished walls.
“This is like our house,” Sam (Sulieman Reehani) the manager said, “and we invite everybody here to enjoy the experience as if they were in our home.” The happy atmosphere is enhanced every evening with live music. You know the food is good, because one of the other restaurants, Dametra Café, just two doors down Ocean Avenue, was rated #12 in Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. for 2016. The restaurants often share recipes and chefs.
My waitress that day, Eyla, and Sam, very gently reassured me when I told them my problem. Eyla brought me dessert (a stunning triple sorbet treat), even after knowing I didn’t have my money. Faifal telephoned the company’s maintenance man, and Gino walked with me to the Jeep to see if he could get it unlocked. He would take no money for his help — more proof that these folks are the real deal. I’ll go there again, just to get another taste of that kindness and maybe some Classic Cioppino.
From Nebraska
Carmel by the Sea:
Mediterranean Restaurant
by Kindra Foster
Delicious Food, Warm Welcome — and Locksmith Services
This is what your momma’s home cooking would be like if she was Greek, Italian or Middle Eastern.