The Critical Consumer

A while ago I did a review of the Mediterranean Cuisine restaurant on 21st Avenue. I gave it pretty high marks and don’t take them back, but I have to say that the Fattoush Cafe on Charlotte Ave is a hefty competitor. Oh sure, Med Cuisine has three times the space and adequate air conditioning/heating, but Fattoush makes up for it with the most tasty Mediterranean I’ve had in Nashville.

From the street, it has a festive storefront for a West Nashville, Charlotte Avenue dive. Sitting right next to a Jiffy Lube and across the street from Krystal, the real estate is not what you’d call prime. I’ve gone there after dark and literally run from the parking lot to the door just to minimize the chances someone will ask me for money or call for me from across the street.

Safety aside, the interior of the restaurant is a bit minimalistic with cafeteria style seating and painted walls. They do have a decorative decor, but its limited to the walls and beaded entrance to the bathrooms. In the far corner is a TV that plays Animal Planet at lunch (at least when I’ve been there at lunch).

Heat and AC are definitely lacking, but the negatives end there. The moment you step in line, you feel taken care of. The server behind the counter is always working on someone’s dish and the chicken and steak rotate behind him to gradually cook on all sides. I have yet to try the meat, but I’ve heard it is tasty. I tend to stick to the grape leaves, baba ganoush, greek salad and falafel. The portions are generous and the food is always fresh.

I don’t really know what else to say except that it is soooo yummy. I suggest it for dinner at least once a week now, but crave it much more often than that!