Nestled in a shopping center off Mason Road, Red Oak Grill has been serving homemade American and Mediterranean cuisine to Katy residents for eight years.

Red Oak Grill emphasizes quality and healthy food for reasonable prices, served in a family-friendly, casual atmosphere. The restaurant is a fast-casual type design where customers order their food, and it's delivered to their table.

"Mediterranean food is very healthy," owner Eric Salmon said. "The dishes are freshly made every day from natural ingredients. We have a produce truck that delivers fresh produce every

morning."

Four employees work mornings before Red Oak Grill opens to prepare some of the food, including dicing all of the vegetables, making the hummus, preparing the tabouleh salad and pounding fresh Angus beef for hamburgers.

The restaurant is owned by Salmon and his family, who immigrated to the U.S. decades ago from Bethlehem. Salmon was 15 when he moved to the United States.

Red Oak Grill's menu includes many authentic family recipes.

"It's a family business," Salmon said. "I use the recipes my mom made when I was little."

The casual restaurant, which has seven booths and one dozen tables in its main room, expanded a year after opening, adding a second dining room area for busy days or a place for private parties. In addition, Red Oak Grill has a patio for outside dining.

The family expanded Red Oak Grill into Sugar Land three years ago and opened a third location in Missouri City more than a year ago. Salmon's two uncles, aunt and cousins help him run the restaurants.

"Business has been booming," Salmon said. "A lot of people from around here have an oil background and have been to the Middle East, so they know these foods."

Customer comments

"The food is good. It's close and convenient and it's healthy." –Lewie Lagas

"I think it's the best Mediterranean food in Katy. And the service is really good. It's a family-friendly restaurant with good prices." –Troy Lynn

"I come here frequently. I enjoy the fresh salads. The vegetables are fresh, and the service is very nice." –Melinda Moore

"It's casual, comfortable and the food is very good." –Linda McCann

Weekly specials

Tuesday

Beef or chicken kabob with two sides. $8.99

Wednesday

Grilled catfish or grilled shrimp platter with rice and mixed vegetables. $11.99

Fish, shrimp or crab cake wrap. $7.99

Thursday

$10 bottle of wine with the purchase of an entree.

Customer favorites

Stuffed grape leaves: dolmas filled with tomatoes, parsley and rice. $3.49

Gyro: roasted beef and lamb slices with lettuce, grilled tomatoes, grilled onions and creamy tzatziki sauce. $6.99

Kofta Kabob pita wrap: grilled ground beef with tomatoes, pickles and garlic sauce. $7.49

Red Oak salad: grape tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, avocado, cheese, bacon, chicken and croutons. $9.99

Chicken Shawerma plate: roasted chicken slices served with creamy garlic sauce, tabouleh and hummus. $11.99

Catfish fillets: served with Texas toast and your choice of two sides. $11.99

Red Oak Grill

2004 S. Mason Road

Katy 281-392-2612

www.redoak-grill.com

Hours: Mon.–Wed. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Thu.–Sun. 7 a.m.–9 p.m.