In our Lunching in Little Rock blog series, Michael Kirkpatrick will explore and review the best restaurants in Little Rock and its surrounding area – all in time to get back to the office. This week, Michael ate lunch at Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe. Photo courtesy of Taziki’s.
In the world of busy busy busy, convenience is key. Fast is great, but fast food isn’t great. The secret is to find those places that combine fresh ingredients and fast service to make an incredible meal that satisfies, re-energizes, and keeps customers coming back. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe is one of the best in town at doing just that.
The restaurant was inspired by a trip to Greece and all the locations seek to provide an escape from life’s busy pace. Right around lunchtime, I was headed back from a stressful meeting and passing Taziki’s on Cantrell.
As I stepped through the door, I looked around at groups of diners eating lunch and enjoying a meal with family and friends. The environment is casual and fun. The kitchen is open, which adds to the atmosphere and reminds you that all the food is fresh and cooked to order. My stress seemed to slip away and I was able to enjoy myself, even though my visit was short.
My favorite item on their menu is probably not a traditionally Mediterranean dish, but it is delicious: the beef tender sandwich. The name says it all. The beef is always perfectly cooked and tender and accompanied by grilled onions, melted Swiss and horseradish on a Kaiser bun. The roasted new potatoes are not to be missed. That being said, I am supposed to be on a diet. The Caesar salad topped with grilled salmon was my dish for today. Now, I don’t know just how many carbs are in a Caesar, but it did not taste like diet food. This was a hearty salad topped with a thick-cut piece of delicious salmon.
During this delectable detour, it took only took 30 minutes for me to order, be served, eat and recharge my body. Soon I was back on the road and ready to face the rest of a busy day.
P.S. Taziki’s catering is top notch and their take out is amazing. The grilled chicken breast take-home dinner for four may be one of the best deals in town.