Salaam: A Hidden Gem

(Click on photos to see their captions.)

In its first incarnation, Salaam appeared to be doomed.

It had a different name back when it was a hookah bar. (I can't even remember what it was.) But when the anti-smoking referendum passed last November, some observers might have thought that spelled its end.

But take away the hookahs, and the place still had three things going for it: great food, great people and just plain charm. So, not only did it survive the smoking referendum, it thrived.

Salaam's menu has a great variety of dishes that everyone will enjoy. For vegetarians or vegans, you will find options in every category: appetizers, salads, main dishes, sandwiches and deserts. Once a week, the special usually works, too.

My favorite dish at Salaam is the vegan harira, which is a hearty Moroccan stew made from lentils. At a very reasonable $4.50, it is served with a healthy accompaniment of pita bread. For an extra $2.75, I usually add a side salad of curried cous cous, a very tasty mix of grains, vegetables, raisins and spices. If I'm going all out, I top it off with some stuffed dates.

The best part is that you get a fabulous meal at a price that is not much higher than a fast food restaurant these days. Compare it to other sit-down restaurants in Athens, and its is a downright bargain.

But Salaam is not just good food, it is a pleasant experience. You'll usually find the owners -- Mark, Hilary and Ry Burhans -- working hard to make sure everyone is satisfied, whether on the floor or in the kitchen. Their servers are just as friendly and will make suggestions if you're not sure what to order. I've never met a grumpy employee there.

Combine that with a unique atmosphere and we have a winner in Athens.

The restaurant is tucked away down an alley behind World's Best Bagels on Court Street (between Washington and State). Look for the colorful mural painted on the building's bricks leading to Salaam.

Once inside, the Middle Eastern decor brings color to a former storage space. There are not a lot of tables, but they always seem to be able to accomodate everyone.

Come during the evening and you might see a bellydancer, a Bulgarian guitarist or Mark Burhans' band, the Coolville Hot Club, which plays a unique brand of "gypsy jazz."

I just can't say enough about this place. If you haven't been there yet, it's worth the search.

Athens Farmers' Market

If you really want to get an authentic feel for Athens, stop by its famous farmers' market.

Located in the University Mall parking lot near the new Bennigan's Restaurant, it is THE place to be on a Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to the farmers and their families, you'll see undergraduate and graduate students, professors, town notables and assorted Athens families. (During warmer months, it is also open on Wednesdays.)

For those who like to people watch, this is the place. However, let's remember why we're here -- the food!

What can you find? Well, it depends on the time of year. All the fruits and vegetables are seasonal. Right now, that means lots of apples, squash and pumpkins. You can also find peppers, garlic, onions, potatoes -- you name it.

For those who love salsa, there are two to three great stands. My personal favorite is Bungtown Salsa, which is made locally by a Hocking College student. The Jose Madrid stand has several great varieties to try. Occasionally there are others.

I always stop to visit the stand run by the owners of the Ali Baba food truck. You can get homemade hummus, fattoush and baba ganoush. You'll also find cous cous or taboulleh. On occasion, they have AMAZING potato candies. Stock up because these are soooo good.

Sometimes, I also pick up some whole wheat bread or rolls from Crumbs Bakery. They have a couple vegan options -- the whole wheat or herb varieties. My only problem with them is that they go bad fast. If you're not going to eat it right away, put it in the refrigerator. The peanut butter cookies are good, too. You can buy them in an eight-pack.

Over time, everyone finds their favorite stands. When you know what you like, it will save you time.

However, when all is said and done, you will still have to stop at Kroger. Most of the stuff is not cheap. However, at least you will know you helped support the local economy -- and got some tasty fresh food, too.