MIKE'S FUSION MEDITERRANEAN GRILL: COLORFULLY DELICIOUS

Many years ago, my best friend turned me onto Turkish food. Since then it has not only become one of my Top 3 Favorite Cuisines, but I have fallen in love with the Turkish people and plan to one day visit Turkey. I like the food that much.

So, living in Lake Hiawatha, I have been a regular customer at Bosphorous on Beverwyck for 8 years. Bosphorous is still amazing. But, guess what kebab kooks and falafel fans? Make the effort to get to Mike's Fusion Mediterranean Grill on Route 46 in Pine Brook. You will be oh-so-very happy you did.

Mike's Fusion is located just past the Home Depot in Pine Brook at the end of a small strip mall. Once you enter, you are immediately blown away by the beautiful decorated space. What Mike's lacks in size, they more than make up for in ambience and taste. The brightly colorful dining room is small but not uncomfortably so. You are immediately drawn to the gigantic menu board and pictures over the counter. Everything looks amazing. Soon, you are greeted by Anna, one of the owner's and wife of the chef. Her smile lights up the room and is only eclipsed by her outgoing and warm personality. 

Starting with the mixed appetizer plate the presentation is as gorgeously presented as the room is decorated. The green hummus with it's added kick of jalapenos and cilantro is definitely part of the "fusion" in Mike's menu. Hands down the best ajvar I have ever had. It's vibrant red color is highlighted by it's smooth texture and peppery hotness. I realized biting into my first stuffed grape leaf, that it was not the usually cold and rock-solid textured delight that I am used to having. "These were just stuffed and rolled, weren't they?, I asked Anna. She smiled and replied yes.

I had my go-to favorite, gyro meat over pita bread in yogurt sauce. Oh, my. Oh, so very, very delicious. The Mrs. had the kebab combination of lamb and chicken. Moist and perfectly grilled doesn't do justtice to how good these kebabs were. The rice that came with it was a cloud of fluffy beauty. I was smart and stopped halfway through my dinner in order to have it to enjoy at home. My wife ate everything on her plate except the stem to the pepper. 

So, when you need to break away from the Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebee's in the world and crave something that isn't Italian or Chinese take-out, treat yourself to the international delight that is Mike's Fusion Mediterranean Grill. Your tongue will thank you.

Mike's is open Monday through Saturday and is BYOB. They also deliver.

http://mikesmediterranean.com/