Listen & Be Heard Weekly Archives

Rania & David Kharsa owners of
Falafel King, 835 Texas St., Fairfield
707 434-9621 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-8pm Saturday 11am-7 pm

Enter the Falafel King and you are welcomed with a big hello. This is a tiny place on a street busy with all kinds of eateries. The Falafel King ensures its place with friendly service, large portions and good food. The menu goes far beyond the falafel.

On my first visit, I tried the Falafel Deluxe ($5.99). This takes the ground garbanzo bean burger with hummus, salad, seasoned onions and tahini sauce a step further with the addition of eggplant and potatoes. It, like all the wraps here, is wrapped in a grilled lavash flat bread. There was good balance of flavor and texture to the sandwich and it was a substantial meal. A chunky hot sauce livened up the flavors.

Although this is a great vegetarian selection, other people enjoyed the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich ($5.99), a generous helping of meat, cheese, onions, peppers and mushrooms, grilled and served in a long bun. A choice of fries or salad accompanies the sandwiches, and everyone chose the large warm fries.

On my second visit, I tried the Lamb Shawerma, ($5.99), which consisted of thin slices of beef and lamb with hummus, tomatoes, seasoned onions, pickles and tahini sauce in grilled lavash bread. This was even moister than the falafel and the meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth.

The menu includes many other Middle Eastern vegetarian options including a dolma wrap, grilled eggplant, tabuli salad, and hummus. Most of these can be sampled on the Veggie Plate with feta cheese and pita bread, or ordered by the half-pint to go.

Meat selections include traditional Middle Eastern choices such as the Lamb Shawerma ($5.99) or a Kufta Kebab ($5.99). These also are served on plates with hummus and tabuli and a side of pita bread ($7.99-$8.99).

For those who want a more typically American meal, there is the King Burger ($5.99), grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich ($5.99), the Philly Cheese Steak ($5.99) and a BBQ Beef sandwich ($5.99). These come with a choice of salad or fries. These fries are also offered with seasonings such as Chili Cheese Fries ($3.79 small, $5.99 large)

Other items and specials are posted on hand written signs.

Although it is winter and everyone seems to be eating hearty foods, there are lighter items on the menu such as the Greek Salad ($2.99 alone, $6.99 with chicken.)

Drinks are limited to sodas and waters from a refrigerated display case. Desserts such as baklava as well as other bars, are displayed at the cash register. While present, these seem uninspired. Emphasis is on the warm food from the grill.

The Falafel King also offers a catering menu. This includes all the items on their daily menu served on large platters as well as the House Special. This includes a whole lamb stuffed with seasoned Lamb and Rice, and served with salad and yogurt. I�d like to go to that party!

On Fridays after 4 p.m. Falafel King offers music, and a Middle Eastern dancer celebrates the end of the week. Hookahs are also available and make exotic gifts.