Date Night at the Jerusalem Restaurant: 10 '!5

"Oy Veh!" Bruce said looking at the hours of operation posted on the outside of the Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant.  "This place is so Kosher it closes at 3 pm on Friday, and doesn't open again until Sunday."

When we stepped  through the door of the restaurant we found ourselves surrounded by decor imported from Morocco:  hand-painted tiled walls; hand-embroidered art work, were everywhere.

Authentic Moroccan potter, including dozens of tangines, decorated the walls .

Yards and yards of flowing fabrics draping from the ceiling;

 a traditional family-style dining area with lowered tables surrounded by authentic Mediterranean poof cushions; and comfy padded booths with hundreds of pillows.

 The three dining rooms and full bar are adorned with hand-blown glass chandeliers that will leave you awestruck.

Our waitress, Chelsea,  greeted us as soon as we stepped through the door and told us we could seat ourselves wherever we liked.  As soon as we were settled at a table she brought us our menus .  Bruce grinned from ear to ear when she handed them to us as though they were to read from right to left.

'Talk about eating Kosher', BJ said.  'It says on the menu that this is the only Glatt Kosher restaurant in the Carolinas, and that the Rabbi comes in daily to inspect the restaurant and the food preparation. , 

"Actually, sometimes he comes three times a day to make sure everything is up to kosher standards, said Chelsea".  "Even our wines are kosher", she said, nodding toward the sparking cocktail lounge.

Now it was my turn to grin.  A beautiful exotic,atmosphere and a clean healthy environment .... what more could one ask for from a restaurant?  Why good food of course.  And that, they have!

We ordered Turkish Cigars  and Babaganush  for appetizers and  Lamb, beef kabobs with saffron rice for our entrees, and two of their beautiful hand made pastries.The Naan and salad were complimentary.  The meal was served warm and everything was delicious,  but the serving portions were enormous.  We  wound up taking enough home  for an entire meal on Saturday evening.

We would certainly recommend The Jerusalem Mediterranean Restaurant to any one. This restaurant has very authentic decor and atmosphere. Our food was amazing. We felt like we had been transported to Jerusalem.  Our only regret is that we came for lunch when the lounge was not open.  We would love to come back at happy hour, sit on cushions and eat at one  of the lowered tables while sipping a glass of kosher wine.