If you haven't discovered one of Tempe's best culinary treasures, Pita Jungle, make a point to do so immediately.
The restaurant on Apache Boulevard and Dorsey Lane, one of four locations in the Valley, offers fresh, healthy cuisine for reasonable prices and will quickly win your stomach over as a favorite dining spot.
Start with an appetizer. The hummus here is fabulous, a smooth blend of chickpeas in three flavors you can combine: Cilantro Jalapeno, Roasted Red Pepper and classic Original.
For larger appetites, opt for the Hummus with Chicken, topped with pine nuts. The garlic dip, a potato spread, is also wonderful, as is the tsatziki, a chunky cucumber yogurt dip. Each is served with a warm, soft pita.
If you're really hungry, the Blue Corn Nachos are hugely satisfying in size and taste, topped with cheese and yummy beans and garnished with tomatoes, onions and a special sour cream.
For entrees, choose between salads, sandwiches, pizzas and specials. Portions are generous, and every choice is a wise one!
If you're in the mood for fresh greens, try something new like the Lentil Fetoosh Salad, topped with lentils, rice, carmelized onions and pita chips in a lemon dressing.
The Honey Pasta offers something sweet, combining sauteed vegetables with basil, ginger, garlic and honey.
For fruit lovers, choose the Caribbean, with huge hunks of tropical fruit atop lettuce, tossed with raisins, coconuts and strawberry vinaigrette.
Other favorites include the Grilled Vegetable, the Wood-fired Salmon and the classic Greek.
Anything with chicken is perfection here, as the meat is juicy, tender, flavorful and plentiful. Try it in the Broiled Chicken Salad, the popular Schwarma Wraps with garlic sauce or the Spicy Chicken Wrap with beans, rice and veggies.
Even though sandwiches are big enough to take some home, the extra-hungry will surely be satisfied with the Medchilada, a giant lavosh burrito (a type of crispy, thin bread).
Pizzas and burgers are also great options, but if you're still undecided, try a combination platter.
The Macro is great for vegetarians, with chunks of tofu, mixed beans, rice and steamed veggies. The Mediterranean is like an appetizer sampler but also good for a meal.
No matter what you order, satisfaction is almost guaranteed at Pita Jungle. Save room to try the decadent chocolate cake or a piece of baklawa, layers of honey-soaked pastry and nuts.
Come back often to explore the menu and to check out the local art featured on the walls, which changes regularly.
You'll be pleasantly surprised when you get your bill at the end of the meal. Take leftover cash to one of the hookah bars on Apache, like King Tut Cafe or Oasis Cafe - they are open late.
There's a wide variety of flavored tobacco for the ornate water pipes at these cushy locales, great spots for groups or couples. If it's the weekend, you can even see belly dancing while sipping Turkish coffee or mint tea.
The evening will leave you relaxed, happy and full, eager to return again soon.
Reach the reporter at: jessica.kokal@asu.edu.
