A few years ago- at my doctor's recommendation- I started transitioning over to a Mediterranean Food Plan. There are a lot of great things about "The Mediterranean Diet." First of all, it's more of a food and health plan than anything. As with any "diet", don't look to it as a miracle way to lose weight. Lifestyle is always key to losing weight. But Mediterranean food has a lot of healthy advantages. Olive oil is a great source of good cholesterol. Fish, nuts and fresh vegetables include vitamins, Omega-3, and other nutrients that really helps your body do what it needs to do. So, it will come as no surprise, that I am a big fan of Mediterranean style restaurants.
I just happened to stumble upon the gem that is the Shiraz Mediterranean Grill, one afternoon after visiting my Insurance Agent on Poplar Level Rd., here in Louisville, KY. Set up on a hill not far from the Louisville Zoo and the Bellarmine Campus, The Shiraz is not the fancy place you might envision like...say, The Grape Leaf. In fact, you might even call it a bit of Medi Fast Food, but with positive connotations. The Shiraz maintains a "bar" of simple Medi delights up front, and then short-cooks to order many wonderful, traditional Medi fare. And they do it all at a fairly reasonable price considering the portions they serve and the care in which they prepare your food.
That particular afternoon, I indulged in one of my favorites: a Shwarma Wrap. Stuffed in a spinach tortilla, with Tzatziki sauce and roasted Habanero, were thick, succulent pieces of grilled chicken, and Fatoosh salad. Absolutely delicious! Truly a great lunch at only 670 calories and lots of flavor. And of course, I can not eat at a Medi place without trying the hummus. According to who I assumed was the owner, this particular chickpea dip they serve is from a recipe handed down by his grandmother. And it really was some of the best hummus I have ever tried; creamy with just the right amount of tahini and seasoning.
The menu at Shiraz is fairly full with appetizers, sandwiches, Kabobs, and tasty sides and combos. Portions are consistent with the price. Definintely a great spot for a healthy, flavorful lunch, early evening stop or snack. And even better, they have four locations around the Louisville area. Great food, great price, and a healthy choice; make it a point to try Shiraz if you are in the Louisville, KY area.
To see the menu and more at Shiraz, including catering, check out their website:
http://shirazmg.net/menu.htm
Wolf's Rating: * * * *
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