Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill offers all of the flavors of hummus, shawarma and falafel but without the formality of a linen tablecloth restaurant.
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The sign on the entry wall encourages, “Give Pita a Chance” and the staff at Lemon Tree gives diners lots of options when it comes to building a meal.
Step one is to “choose your style,” which means choosing from a sandwich in a pita pocket or wrap, a bowl of jasmine rice, or a salad of crisp and healthy greens.
Step two is to “choose your protein,” which includes chicken shawarma, slow roasted on the rotisserie just behind the food station after marinating in an aromatic blend of spices; chicken kabob, also marinated in spices and char grilled to order; steak, tender and grilled with a smoky tomato spice; grilled vegetables such as long slabs of charred zucchini and yellow squash; or falafel, spheres of fried ground chickpeas and spices.
Step three is to “choose your sides,” which include a creamy, lemon-garlic hummus that is made from scratch; tabbouleh with fresh mint; Mediterranean carrot salad; purple cabbage with spices; and a vegan lentil or lemon chicken rice soup.
The fourth and final step is to “embellish your creation” with a variety of add-ins including Kalamata olives and feta cheese, and made-from-scratch sauces such as spicy yogurt and traditional tahini.
Desserts include coconut macaroons, flourless chocolate cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies. For those who prefer a salty nosh with their meal, house-made chips are available. Drinks include soft drinks, freshly-squeezed orange juice, craft beers and wine.
Owners David and Lisa Wodrich have a long history in food service. They also own Third Coast Spice Cafe just down the road.
Lisa said, “David had been wanting to do a fast casual concept and I used to be a chef at a Middle Eastern restaurant and I love that style of food. A Mediterranean diet is by nature healthier so we wanted to continue that philosophy at this restaurant, providing healthy food made from scratch, and we cater to people with sensitivities.”
Heather Augustyn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill
Pricing: Sandwiches and wraps are $7.50 to $8.25, while bowls and salads range from $9.05 to $13.25 depending on size and selection. There are also kid-sized portions on the menu for $4.95, as well as catering, or “feasts,” for groups ranging in price from $30 to $100 for a group of 10.
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
Location: 356 Indian Boundary Road, Chesterton.
Contact: 219-926-8733.