Earlier this year, I was approached by a publishing company, Globe Pequot Press, and asked if I was interested in writing a Food Guide book for Atlanta. I practically jumped out of my skin, I was so excited that they picked me. My publisher just sent me the cover of the book (pictured above) and I wanted to share it with you.

I’ve had so much fun over the last several months visiting restaurants around Atlanta and talking to staff and chefs. It has been a wonderful experience writing the book and I definitely have a new appreciation and respect for both authors and editors.

As you are reading this, I’m down in Florida for a short break and celebrating finishing the book!

Cheers!

Mediterranean Buffet and Hookah Lounge

Seems like everywhere you turn, these Hookah lounges are popping up. Even Acworth, GA now has its own Hookah bar which is part of the new Mediterranean Buffet Restaurant. Located on Bells Ferry Rd, just south of Highway 92, the Mediterranean Buffet is a huge space that offers a lot in terms of food as well as a separate area for Hookah smoking.

The Mediterranean Buffet is very new and just started advertising in the local coupon book that all us Kennesaw residents get delivered to our mailbox. My coworker, Brandon is a big fan of Mediterranean food, especially hummus. So, on a recent Monday we decided to venture over to the Mediterranean Buffet for lunch and take advantage of our coupon.

Upon entering we were immediately greeted by the hostess / waitress who invited us to sit anywhere we liked. After choosing a booth near the food, we hit the buffet. I never took time to find out if you can also order off the menu or if it strictly the buffet, but I have a feeling it is buffet only.

The layout is spread amoung 3 different carts, 2 of the smaller carts have the salad and what I would call the appetizers – pita bread for hummus and meat pies. The other main cart is longer and has the main courses. This cart had about 8 different offerings on it.

Appetizers - Meat Pie

So, we both started off with the hummus and meat pies. While I liked the hummus (Brandon gave it a thumbs up too) I didn’t care for the meat pie. It was ok, but seemed a little dried out and there were much better things to be had on the menu, so I didn’t have anymore of that as I wanted to save room for the other offererings.

Salad Bar with Hummus, Tabouleh, and Tahini

Next it was onto the salad bar. I tried the Tabouleh and Tahini and thought that they were pretty good. Tabouleh was a tad better in my book. About this time, our waitress came over and asked if we’d like some fresh Falafel. Apparently they don’t put it on the buffet as they think it won’t stay warm very long. We tried some, but it was pretty forgettable. I think the Falafel at Casablanca nearby is much better.

Falafel

Ok, so onto the main dishes. Like I said, there were about 8 different offerings, and I did try to get a taste of everything. I started with the squash stuffed with rice. Brandon loved it but I didn’t really like the rice stuffing. I wasn’t big on the tomatoes inside, they had about 2 other kinds of rice on the buffet and I was able to find one (I think it had carrots in it) with a really good flavor.

Squash, Dolmas, and Spaghetti

Cabbage Dolmas

As for the dolmas (stuffed cabbage or grape leaves) I definintely would say the cabbage ones were better. I think the grape leaves were vegetarian. Please confirm this before eating, as I am not completely sure. I did like the beef/spaghetti dish as it defnitely was not like traditional spaghetti, much more of a mediterranean flair to it.

Mediterranean Buffet Dessert

Of course, I couldn’t leave without trying dessert. I opted to skip the fruit although its nice to see that they offer it. And it is a pretty arrangement. Instead I had some sort of orange coconut square. Different but tasty. They also had some sort of cupcake looking dessert – but I skipped that too.

I know that’s a lot of information so let me sum it up. Must try: Hummus, Tabouleh, Spaghetti, Dolmas, and various rice offerings. They did have baked chicken (legs and thighs only) and green beans, but that was about the only traditional food they had on the menu, so don’t go with someone who just wants traditional American food, cause you won’t find it here.

Hookah Bar

We also took a peek at the Hookah bar. I asked how much it costs and I was told $10.99 per Hookah. I haven’t really priced them out so I guess that is reasonable. The buffet cost was $7.99 per person, but the staff told us they have a much wider selection including lamb on the weekends, so that is when you really want to visit. I’d still like to see some sort of build your own gyro area kinda like a build your own fajita area like you would see at a Mexican restaurant.

Staff was super friendly, definitely worth checking out if you live relatively close by.

Been to Efes several times for meals, but the weather has always been nice, so I’ve always sat outside. Start out with the Tzatziki, warm humus with pinenuts. My brother had the kabobs which were pretty tasty too.

The décor inside is a little dated. If the changed a couple things (maybe new carpet or paint) it would liven the place up a bit and perhaps make it more inviting to guests.

113 N Park Sq NE
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 419-0159
Efes Restaurant

Mediterranean Diet Secrets

I don’t know what the place was before it became Casablanca Restaurant but obviously a lot of money went into decorating the place. Lots of curtains (more for decoration than privacy) and low seating with comfy cushions. Very colorful setting. This would be great if you have a group of people to go. And I bet they would draw a bigger crowd if they had belly dancing.

Appetizers to try? Stuffed grape leaves and Falafel. I always thought Falafel was like a wrap but apparently its some sort of meat and spices that are fried and resemble a small doughnut. It was exquisite. We each had the beef wraps (I had the ground beef and Brandon had the beef tips). It was good but a little salty. Next time I’ll try the gyro.

Prices are like $7 for the wrap which comes with a side of fries. So, it is definitely reasonably priced. Hookahs are like 15 bucks if I am remembering correctly. I can’t wait to try these next time. Didn’t have enough time as I was on my lunch hour.

Casablanca Restaurant & Hookah Lounge
3490 Cherokee Street #303
Kennesaw, GA 30144
678-797-9373

Read my Sahara Restaurant Review