punkTREKS

On the Franklin Street Strip

We lived in Carrboro – just outside of Chapel Hill – when we first moved to the Triangle. DoubleC worked on campus and I worked from home. We would meet for lunch along the strip of little shops and restaurants in between us. Our favorite was the Mediterranean Café. Since we were last there they have renovated a little and added a small shop, but are mostly still the same as we remember and I would almost say the food was even better! Love it!

When you enter, there is a long counter where you can order pre-made salads, pastas different kinds of hummus, veggies and meat dishes. Along the “L” there is another counter filled with lots of pastries and various types of baklava. If you keep looking past the “L” counter, there is a large menu hanging with made-to-order dishes. We usually get something from all three spots. But, the menu is my personal favorite because it is here that they have – which difficult to find anywhere else (as in I have NEVER found it anywhere else they way they do it here) – is the Fatayer.

Fatayer – if you haven’t had it before – is a little like a pizza, but Mediterranean style. They offer it in a number of different toppings, but I really like the original – lamb with feta, mozzarella, tomatoes and parsley. It is crazy good – and BIG. Big enough to share, for sure. But, do we stop there? No, of course not – not when we are here at least. And not when we have a fridge and oven at our disposal for the keeping and reheating of delicious leftovers.

We all had eyes bigger than our stomachs when we walked in, so our tiny outdoor table was overflowing with Fatayer, hummus, beef shawarma, falafel and warm fresh-made pita plus a handful of sauces, spices and pickles from their condiment table. Every single thing we have ever had from this place has been amazing. I would recommend trying pretty much anything. There is plenty of indoor seating if the weather is junk, but if it’s nice out then I would sit outside and just people-watch as all the UNC folks stroll back and forth gossiping about this and that. It is truly a delightful little spot and withstood the test of recent times.

Tips:

• If you can, convince your crew to order different menu items for each person so that you can try as large of a variety as possible. There is such a huge selection of food here and all of it is so good. The baklava is quite rich though (as you would expect) – multiple people can share one larger chunk. It is also quite sticky, so plan napkins and hand-washing accordingly.
• If you just get a cup for water – don’t overlook the real water station (not the little water tab on the soda fountain). Their jug of water is filled with cucumber and citrus and is a refreshingly yummy alternative to the water from the soda fountain.
• DO NOT SKIP the condiment stand. They have everything here from pickled turnips to peppers, sauces, spice mixes and fresh olive oil to top your hummus and other goodies with. Try a few; I am sure you will find something that is a delicious adder to your meal.