Hot Lunch: Serop’s Cafe

My aunt used to say that she dreamed about chicken Shawarma. Unless you find yourself in Astoria, Queens, you’re unlikely to meet such a concentration of Mediterranean eateries anywhere in the U.S. as we enjoy here in Baton Rouge—and we are all the luckier for it. A recent lunchtime visit to Serop’s Corporate Boulevard location revealed why it is a popular choice. Customers are treated to excellent Lebanese iced tea swirling with pine nuts, a personal favorite. Their Fattoush salad ($3.95/$8.95) is a delectable alternative to the trusty Greek salad that has the pleasing crunch of toasted pita bread tossed amongst the greens. The Kafta Kebab entrée ($12.95) is a hearty alternative to our beloved Shawarma. It features ground beef, heavy with parsley and lemon, formed into rolls and grilled. The entrées are served with a feta salad and hummus. Also of note is the Baba Ghanouj ($5.25) that practically radiates from its plate with citrus and garlic. No full meal at Serop’s would be complete without a slice of flaky baklava ($2.95) to end the feast on a sweet note. Exotic but also familiar, Serop’s is indeed something to dream about. For more by Frank McMains, including blogs from his trip to China, click here.