Image courtesy of Maya’s Modern Mediterranean
Maya’s Modern Mediterranean is bringing their healthy take to Middle Eastern classics, hoping to make the menu accessible, family friendly and good for you.
Owner Russell Birk highlighted Big O’s Hummus, which is a creamier Palestinian version of the chickpea dip named for his son Oren. Guests can order grilled schnitzel, roast chicken, beef kabobs, falafel or eggplant entrees in wrap, plate or bowl form. The meat is air baked rather than cooked on a spit, making it healthier than traditional methods. Birk’s goal is to make the food accessible for those who might not think to order shawarma or kafta.
To finish the meal, Maya’s will offer dessert hummus, where you can dunk pretzels or strawberries in peanut butter chocolate or chocolate brownie flavored dip. Named for Birk’s daughter Maya, the restaurant will also have beers and wines on tap, with a dog friendly patio.
The fast casual restaurant is remaking the space of the Alligator Cafe on the northeast corner of the Casa Linda shopping center, near Albertson’s. Birk is embarking on his first solo restaurant venture after working in the finance world and for Brinker International, the restaurant group that owns Chili’s, On the Border, EatZi’s and Cozymel’s. Birk still owns and operates the Cozymel’s location outside Chicago.
It will be located at 9540 Garland Road, suite C362 and hopes to be open by the end of August.
