When you think of Chicago you automatically think about good Mediterranean food, right? Ok, that might be a stretch, but after my dinner tonight at Roti Mediterranean I will think Mediterranean when thinking about Chicago (or Arlington Heights to be precise). Roti was started by three guys that have been in the restaurant business for quite a while (Bill, Barry & John). They are looking to make it into a chain (next one opens in November in downtown Chicago), but since it still isn’t a chain yet, and since I liked the food, it qualifies for my blog. Learn more about it from the article in the Chicago Tribune, also posted on their webpage (www.rotiusa.com).
The clean, crisp and simple Mediterranean décor (Ceramic pitchers and copper cookware), light yellow walls and light orange stained concrete provide a warm, international, but not too wild feel. Less adventurous eaters will actually come and enjoy this place. You walk up to the bar and order your food and participate in choosing your options for your plate, shawarma (learn more about this at their website) or salad. The service was quick and very friendly.
Based on the advice of the server I ordered the Venetian platter and John prepared it for me. The center of my plate was loaded up with some very tasty light Hummus. It was then surrounded with chicken, steak, Spanish eggplant, Orzo pasta and my personal favorite, Tomato, onion & cucumber salad. I love eating the tomato, onion and cucumber salad with the chicken or steak. That combination is great. You also receive a slice of Pita bread. All their food is made from scratch. My taste buds were quickly dancing with delight and thoroughly enjoying the various flavors. I quickly cleaned my plate. Oh, I almost forgot. Since it was Thursday night the special is a free side bowl of soup. I love soup, all kinds of soup. And this soup, the lemon chicken vegetable soup, was great. There is a vegetarian alternative in addition to many salads and skewered meats.
From a story perspective Roti gets only 1 page, because it is simply about three guys tired of corporate restaurant business doing it on their own and not a family only placed where you meet Mom & Pop. However, John, whom I spoke with tonight, was very friendly, open and fun to talk to about he and his partners endeavor with Roti.
Hole in the wall factor is 3 holes. It was in a strip mall, had 12 tables and 7 chairs at a window facing bar. But way to spacious and crisp to be a great 5 hole place.
There were a couple of ladies who had been there a while when I arrived and did not look like they were leaving anytime soon when I left. A family (Mom, Dad and older daughter) hung out leisurely and discussed the day’s affairs. And younger couple sat at the bar and chatted a way. Any restaurant that fosters a ‘good, stay for a while, conversation’ and serves tasty international food is my kind of place.
Eating in Harms way 