By DAVID ERSOFF, Journal Contributor
Top Shawarma, 2307 East Texas Street, Bossier City, had its soft opening July 13. The new Middle Eastern restaurant didn’t need much fine tuning to deliver good food.
The practice of using soft openings for restaurants has been popular over the last 20 years or so. It gives the staff an easier opportunity to iron out the bugs of a new restaurant, whether it be in the kitchen or the service staff, having only one chance to make a first impression. I applaud the owners on their decision.
I had wanted to review Top Shawarma during the World Cup as a stop on our international series, but I decided it would be unfair to them to review right as they opened. Three weeks in, I believed their true food quality would be on display.
I have not tried a lot of Middle Eastern food in the past, so when I got there a couple of days ago, the counter person was nice enough to answer my questions and to allow me to taste some of their dips before I ordered. I tasted the Baba Ganoush, Grecian Dip and Hummus. All three were fresh and full of great flavor. The freshness of the Grecian Dip won out as my favorite.
I started with a Pickle and Olive appetizer, which had that authentic Middle Eastern flavor that is hard to describe, but we all know it when we are eating it. That’s the flavor I was hoping for.
It also influenced me to order a Greek Salad. All the ingredients were fresh, with that crunch that tells you that the salad was made with that farm to table feel. I don’t know if it’s farm to table, but it sure seemed like it — highly recommended.
For my entrée I had the Chicken Shawarma wrap as I couldn’t do a whole meal after the first two courses. I almost went with the beef sandwich wrap, but a healthy first two courses begs for me to get chicken instead. Mark that meal healthy! Once a week is better than none, right?
The Chicken Shawarma was well cooked, and great flavor. The pickle in the sandwich really elevated the wrap to elite status. I made a great choice, at leas until the next time I go there and get the beef. All the better if it’s as good! I’ll add the falafel when ordering the beef, because I think they go together.
My one regret was not ordering the Grecian Dip, to dunk the wrapin it. I had made that decision, but I never said it out loud, so I missed out. For this meal, I did take all the food to go as I didn’t really have the time to spend sitting down to eat there.
I noticed on the menu that Top Shawarma has a family meal, built as a complete meal for 5-6 people, at a very reasonable price. This is a great way to try many of their items, while feeding everyone.
My recommendation is do that for a family gathering soon.
Contact David at dersoff@bellsouth.net
