Gyro Plate. Hummus (optional hummus or rice).

Lamb Kebab. Hummus.

Before I talk about the food, I will have to mention that service is a bit lacking. I frequent here regularly so I’ve met every single server and can tell you that they are sweet, but Stella Maris is in the process of training more waitresses and many of them have yet to actually try the food and service may be a bit lacking or slow. Honestly, it’s hit or miss BUT the food is very consistent. My go-to dish is the Gyro Plate (pronounced year-oh, but for some reason they pronounce jai-ro here). It’s delicious! You have the choice of ordering with rice or hummus. I alternate since both options are great! I’ve tried the Lamb Kebab here, but for those who are sensitive to more gamey flavors and meats, then I would avoid it. It’s very fresh though!

Stella Maris is my favorite lunch spot in the Chalmette area, but service needs work. For that reason I’d give it 4/5 spoons. Minus 1 star for service, but 4 star food!

Rating: 4/5 spoons

Ambiance. 

Pita. 

Naveh. 

3 for $15: Tzatziki: field peas, sea beans. Watermelon and Bulgarian Feta: Harissa and Walnut vinaigrette. Ikra: paddlefish caviar spread with shallots

Soft Cooked Egg Hummus. Red onion. Pickled cornichons. Harissa.

Short Rib Tagine. Fennel. Star anise. Couscous.

Saffron Chicken Salad. Swiss chard. Sunflower seeds. Barberries.

Kibbeh nayah. Two Run Farms beef tartare. Bulgur. Walnuts. Yemenite flatbread.

We went on a Monday night and it was surprisingly busy. It was spur of the moment so we didn’t have a reservation. The hostess advised us that the wait would be at least 20 minutes so we left our phone number since we planned on walking down Magazine St. while we wait. Literally, 5-10 minutes later we got our call!

Our server was awesome. She was extremely bubbly and very helpful. First, they brought out pita bread along with an olive oil and herb dip. That pita bread was fresh out of the oven. It was a fluffy cloud of wholesome wheat flavor. From the cocktail menu I ordered the Naveh, which was delicious and lightly fruity. What’s different about their food  menu is that they offer many small plates such as tabouleh, pickles, tzaziki, etc. We ordered Tabouleh, Watermelon & Feta, and Ikra. The Ikra is a caviar with a light yogurt cream, which was creamy and delicious. The hummus with soft cooked egg and harissa was divine. I loved how everything was so dippable. It didn’t hurt that the pita bread is so delicious! We also ordered the Short Rib Tagine, Saffron Chicken Salad, and Kibbeh Nayah.  Each dish was refined, yet had a certain hominess to it. I honestly can’t pick out a favorite, but I’m glad we ordered each one! 

I’ve been craving Shaya again for some time now, but “The Chef” insists we try other new restaurants. Until next time Shaya, I’ll continue dreaming of those fluffy pillowy pitas…

Rating: 5/5 spoons

Meat Pie. Minced meat. Onions. Pine nuts. Spices. Phyllo dough.

Lamb Kabob. Marinated lamb. Choice of two sides: hummus, rice.

Phoenicia seems to be a very established Mediteranean restaurant in Metairie in the adjacent strip mall where Houston’s of Metairie used to be. I went on a Thursday night and I was the only person there until my friend arrived. That would make anyone feel a little uneasy, but the service was great and the food was good. Maybe Thursdays are just a slow night. I ordered the meat pie as a small appetizer. It’s baked, not fried, which is a plus, but I wished there was more meat and maybe more of a kick in flavor . The tabbouleh was to be expected. For my entree, both my friend and I ordered the lamb kabobs. Surprisingly, they were flavorful and juicy chunks of lamb as opposed to the ground lamb concoction that you usually get at some Mediterranean joints. Legit! I chose hummus as my side, because I love making my own little pita/hummus/lamb sandwiches.

I didn’t order much, but from what I saw, it was a good reflection of the quality that Phoenicia dishes out. My friend and I enjoyed our lamb dishes so much, we both ordered some to-go for our hubbies. Next time I’m in Metairie and have that craving, I’ll know where to go!

Rating: 3.5/5 stars (I debated between 3.5 and 4 stars, but ended up taking down .5 since I just wish the small dishes had a little more umph.)