Review: MATA Mediterranean Grill offers fresh choices in Jackson Twp.
JACKSON TWP. − Wanting a quick yet fresh alternative for a late lunch on a weekday found me at MATA Mediterranean Grill, 7214 Fulton Drive NW.
Upon entering, I was greeted promptly from behind the counter and encouraged to take my time deciding on my meal. Exploring the large menu posted on a wall at the register stand did take some time, but I didn’t feel rushed.
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Except for one table that was occupied and several walk-ins retrieving carryout orders, the place was quiet. I chatted briefly with fellow diners Twyla Chisholm and Nate Fischler, both Jackson Township residents working in retail sales, about their overall impressions. Fischler said they frequent MATA because of the varied menu items, clean atmosphere, and fresh flavors. “It’s a nice alternative to burgers and fries,” added Chisholm.
Armed with that information, I ordered a steak platter. The well-seasoned pieces of steak were served with rice pilaf, a small Grecian salad, pita and tzatziki sauce. While it was a pricey at $11.25, the add-ons and generous portions made it money well spent.
For a meal later that day, I also ordered a regular-sized Grecian salad ($7.50) with the add on of roasted mixed vegetables ($5.25). The Grecian salad itself was overflowing with mixed greens, diced tomato, onion and cucumber pieces, olives and feta with pepperoncini and some pita. The dressing was in a separate container, which I appreciated. It kept everything from getting soggy, allowing me to dress the salad as desired. With the addition of the roasted mixed vegetables consisting of carrots, eggplant, zucchini and more, the salad was easily shareable.
Hummus, a Mediterranean staple, was available as an add-on for several of the menu items (gyros, platters, kebabs), but I ordered mine separately. I opted for the classic, not the spicy. My small classic portion ($5.50) came with cucumber slices, carrot sticks and some pita. I chose the additions of olives and feta. I personally prefer my hummus with a little more burst of lemon and cumin, but MATA’s version was smooth and creamy and the small was ample.
Daily specials were displayed on a board to the left of the menu and included $2 off chicken kebab platters on Tuesday, and $1.50 off falafel gyros or $2 off falafel platters on Falafel Fridays.
The restaurant was very clean, from the table areas to the self-serve utensil and beverage area. While I was there, a worker came out and checked the restaurant’s condition and swept up a few stray crumbs.
As I enjoyed my meal, I reviewed the extensive menu. In addition to the gyros, platters, and kebabs, there’s a varied selection of Grecian salad add ons that include falafel, chicken and shrimp; catering and a la carte menus for large gatherings (24-hour notice may be needed). A variety of sides are offered including dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) or veggie rice. MATA also offers protein bowls and a pasta dinner.
Sweet offerings are simple and straightforward − baklava and rice pudding, served with or without whipped cream. I finished off my meal, much of which I boxed to go, with a piece of baklava ($2.75). It was filled with nuts and layers of filo, and unlike baklava I’ve tried elsewhere, it was the perfect balance of crisp dough and sweet crunch. Don’t skip this at the end of your meal.
Clearly there’s pride behind the offerings at MATA, as the writing on their wall boasts “Mama Faccaigordi was the matriarch of the family creating delicious dishes of the Mediterranean … passed down through generations so that we may now share them with you.”
Reach Bev at bshaffer@gannett.com or 330-580-8318.
If you go
WHAT – MATA Mediterranean Grill
WHERE – 7214 Fulton Dr. NW, Jackson Township; 330-830-1443
HOURS – 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday
MORE − Online at matamedgrill.com; and on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Review: MATA Mediterranean Grill offers fresh choices in Jackson Twp.
