For far too long, there was a vacancy in the Commons. We already had a fantastic selection of foods from around the world, from Indian to Japanese to Korean, but something was lacking to fill out the palette. That void has at long last been filled by Rachel’s Mediterranean Food, now located in the long empty corner of the Commons next to Bollywood Bistro. The new location on campus is the second for Rachel’s, since they opened a restaurant on Main Street in Amherst some time ago.
Having dined at Rachel’s in the Commons on two separate occasions already, I have had the pleasure of sampling multiple items on the menu. On the first visit, I tried the chicken shawarma half dinner with a side of Lebanese rice, which also came with a side of pita. The chicken shawarma was absolutely delicious, with the rice complementing it well. For less than seven dollars, I left feeling satiated and rather pleased with my dinner.
On my second visit, I tried the beef kabob wrap with a side of hummus. The beef kabob wrap was delectable, but the hummus was the highlight of the meal. The hummus at Rachel’s is some of the best I’ve had, with the perfect amount of tahini sauce and blended to an excellent consistency. I finished the meal off with a sampling of baklawa (the Lebanese take on the popular Mediterranean dessert), which rounded it out quite nicely.
The menu is varied, as is the case in all Mediterranean restaurants, containing the standard fare of falafel, hummus, shawarmas, souvlaki, and kabobs. Additionally, Rachel’s does offer options for those who would rather keep with the tried and true foods, such as hoagies and chicken fingers. From what I have seen others eating, it would be nearly impossible to go wrong with any choice on the menu, especially at Rachel’s reasonable prices. A large portion of the menu is vegetarian-friendly, which allows for an array of options for all diners. Additionally, the staff is helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable of the items on the menu, so the unfamiliar can feel at ease trying something new.
To top it all off, the restaurant itself is an incredible place. Seating in Rachel’s is nicely spread out, which means no bumping into the people in the surrounding tables. The view out the window of Baird Point is a beautiful one and can be enjoyed from virtually any seat, on account of the tiered dining area. The walls are clear of clutter, allowing patrons to enjoy the view and conversation without distractions.
On the whole, Rachel’s makes an excellent complement to the existing options to eat in the Commons. It is highly recommendable to try a variety of foods at Rachel’s, as the options span an array of tastes. Even if you’ve never tried Mediterranean food before, try Rachel’s and you will not be disappointed.
