Family serves up fresh, authentic Middle Eastern fare

It may be a small restaurant in a small strip center in an out-of-the-way place near Katy, but Cedars Mediterranean Grill and Market is a big deal for those with a taste for Middle Eastern fare.

"You must try our hummus," owner Ibrahim Radwan said. "It is the best around."

Radwan, his wife Amal, and their sons Mohammad and Rami run the restaurant, making each dish from scratch, including fresh-baked pita bread, a large variety of sweets and, of course, hummus.

Radwan is from Palestine, coming to the United States in 1987, moving to Katy in 1993, opening Cedars in 1999 and moving to the current location at 1830 S. Mason Road, Ste. 160, in 2006.

The menu features a variety of kabobs, shawarma made from beef and lamb and chicken, lamb shank, gyros and moussaca.

For appetizers and sides, there is baba ghannouj, stuffed grape leaves, foule, falafel, cabbage rolls and pies of meat, spinach or cheese. Cedars offers a variety of Mediterranean salads, vegetable platters and wraps. For children or others not so adventurous in their culinary conquests, Cedars offers a chicken strip basket, hamburgers, french fries and cheese sticks.

"It's all fresh, organic food," Radwan said.

To drink, there is an array of soft drinks and American and Middle Eastern teas and coffee. Among the many dessert offerings are baklava, namoura, knafah rolls, rice pudding and coconut macaroons.

All of the food served at Cedars is halal, which means it has been properly prepared and is allowable for Muslims to eat under Islamic dietary guidelines. The food is fresh, organic and prepared on the premises.

Cedars menu comes from old family recipes.

"They are from my mother [and] grandmother—generation to generation," he said.

Radwan said many of his customers are Energy Corridor workers who have been to the Middle East and developed a taste for the cuisine. For those unfamiliar with the fare, he is patient and gracious to explain what each of the menu items are. It is not uncommon for him to deliver the food to the table and to take the time to visit with customers.

The restaurant is named for the iconic tree common in the eastern Mediterranean region. In addition to the foods, many of the desserts, pitas and other cultural foods and ingredients are sold in the market which lines two walls in the restaurant.

In the Middle East, the food served at Cedars would be the equivalent of a hamburger stand in the United States. For those raised on old-fashioned U.S. cheeseburgers and fries, having a shawarma wrap with a side of hummus can be a culinary, ethnic adventure.

Radwan said he usually recommends that first-timers try the lamb shank—the lower portion of the leg—and hummus. For those with a preference for vegetables, he recommendations a veggie sampler platter or the veggie kabob. His customers who want a sandwich are encouraged to try a shawarma wrap. The shawarma is also served on rice, either white or mixed with lentils. The fresh-baked pita bread goes well with any meal.

From the market, trays of cookies and other fresh-made Mediterranean sweets are available.

"The important thing is our food," Radwan said.

Owner recommendations

• Lamb shank—Tender lamb leg served with choice of sides ($12.99)
• Shawarma—Grilled chicken or beef and lamb served in a fresh, hot pita or on a dish with choice of sides ($8.99)
• Mixed grilled kabob—Fresh, seasoned vegetables grilled on a skewer ($12.99)
• Hummus—Delicious mix made from cooked, mashed chickpeas with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic ($3.99)
• Pita bread—Baked fresh, this hollow, round flat bread is great as a wrap or for dipping ($0.50)
• Cedar salad—Variety of salads made with garden-fresh vegetables and Mediterranean dressings ($2.99–$5.99)
• Lentil soup—A thick, creamy vegetarian soup made of lentils ($2.50)

Cedars Mediterranean Grill and Market, 1830 S. Mason Road, Ste. 160, Katy, 281-392-3242, www.cedarsinkaty.com

Hours:

• Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
• Sun. 11 a.m.–8 p.m.