First Look: The Vine Mediterranean Cafe & Market

The latest entry into the mix of ethnic restaurants on South Grand is the The Vine and its falafel is among this town's better versions. Read Ian Froeb's full column on The Vine here. Photos by Jennifer Silverberg.
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Roudayna puts the final seasoning touches on the Mediterranean style fries.
Roudayna puts the final seasoning touches on the Mediterranean style fries.
The Vine, half café, half Mediterranean market on South Grand.
The Vine, half café, half Mediterranean market on South Grand.
Fresh pitas baking in the oven. The dough is made every morning in-house, and then baked throughout the day.
Fresh pitas baking in the oven. The dough is made every morning in-house, and then baked throughout the day.
Owner Ali Mohsen in the kitchen at The Vine with fresh dough resting on the counter-top before making its way into the oven.
Owner Ali Mohsen in the kitchen at The Vine with fresh dough resting on the counter-top before making its way into the oven.
Chicken Shwarma, a Middle Eastern fast-food staple, is a wrap with shaved meat from a spit, in this case, chicken. Served here with the fresh, house made French fries and the rose drink.
Chicken Shwarma, a Middle Eastern fast-food staple, is a wrap with shaved meat from a spit, in this case, chicken. Served here with the fresh, house made French fries and the rose drink.
The Vine is an inviting space with murals, hookahs and the fabulous scent of fresh-baked goods.
The Vine is an inviting space with murals, hookahs and the fabulous scent of fresh-baked goods.
Many teas and syrups, among others items, are available at The Vine Market.
Many teas and syrups, among others items, are available at The Vine Market.
Tabbouleh, a salad dish, is comprised of parsley, tomatoes, green onion, bulgar wheat, lemon juice and olive oil.
Tabbouleh, a salad dish, is comprised of parsley, tomatoes, green onion, bulgar wheat, lemon juice and olive oil.
The spits in the kitchen at the Vine. The left spit is the chicken and the spit on the right is the beef and lamb. The meats are of course, halal and meet the standards set by Islamic law.
The spits in the kitchen at the Vine. The left spit is the chicken and the spit on the right is the beef and lamb. The meats are of course, halal and meet the standards set by Islamic law.
In the kitchen at the Vine the Mohsen’s work side-by-side.
In the kitchen at the Vine the Mohsen’s work side-by-side.