Bocaditos
Tom's Tabooley Mediterranean Platter
By Barbara Chisholm, Fri., Jan. 26, 2007
Grab-and-go options range from the factory-sealed mystery-meat sandwiches in molded plastic containers to gorgeously constructed sushi in equally beautiful boxes. The wallet is as much a factor as taste buds as to which meal will be consumed on the run or at the desk. When taste and value are equally weighted factors, you can hardly do better than Tom's Tabooley Mediterranean platter.
It's a "greatest hits" from the longstanding local peddler of old-world delights and includes two dolmas, tabbouleh, two falafel balls with taratoor sauce, hummus, pita bread, kalamata olives, feta chunks, and a single sesame/honey candy to top it off. The platter serves two generously as a hefty appetizer. We love to bring it out with drinks when friends drop by for happy hour. Its tangy treats and salty olives are ideal with a briny martini.
We've also had no trouble polishing off the whole thing on our own for lunch or dinner. There's enough variety in tastes and textures to feel as if one has had a real meal, not just a forgettable fistful of bread and filling. Tom's offerings are produced locally with genuine Lebanese products. No falafel mixes are employed, and the hummus starts with garbanzo beans, not reliant on oil for its smooth lusciousness. The tabbouleh is clean and refreshing, with loads of fresh parsley.
As appealing as the delicious offerings of the platter is the price: $6.99. A fair price indeed for the volume and variety and an absolute steal when it serves two. The platter can be grabbed to go at Farm to Market Grocery (1718 S. Congress), or you can get it hot at Tom's Tabooley (2928 Guadalupe).