Walk through the doors of the newly opened Aroma Café and Grill, at the site of the former Pita Jungle, and the world changes from that of fast food chains and bars to one in which dark colors, exotic tapestries, hookah smoke and sports coverage reach the senses.
The small restaurant and hookah bar serves Mediterranean and Indian inspired food and is located near the intersection of South University Boulevard and East Asbury Avenue. The Aroma Café and Grill is the newest addition to the establishments serving Eastern cuisine near campus.
A café atmosphere prevails in the hookah lounge, which opens at 6 p.m. Patrons can recline on one of the leather sofas while puffing on flavored tobacco and relax, grab a bite to eat from the adjoining restaurant, talk to friends or watch sports on the television. At $13 (for three or fewer people) before midnight and $15 after midnight, the lounge is geared more toward small groups. Available flavors include mint and green apple in the informal bar-like atmosphere. The more exotic mango is also available. Aroma Café and Grill is the closest hookah lounge to campus, and the price is lower than at the Marrakech Café.
The Aroma Café and Grill does offer friendly and courteous service in the formal restaurant where it is possible to sit down to a meal from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Patrons pay up front, but the tables are covered with linens, and silverware is already laid down. Dark red drapes cover the walls and music flows through speakers into the grill area where the walls are decorated with Mediterranean-themed tapestries.
Menu items further the Eastern sentiment, with Mediterranean fare such as gyros for $5.95 and hummus for $4.95. The gyro contains a delicious blend of sweat meat, crisp bread and sauce. Indian dishes such as the rice based biryani and the vegetable somosa are also on the menu for $5.95.
A Levantine salad known as vegetable fattoush is even available for vegetarians or those who want a light dish at a price of $3.95. The dessert section is fairly diverse as well and offers the honey-and-nut-laden baklava priced at $4.95 to satisfy any sweet tooth or peach ice cream for the same price.
With the deliciously hot curry selling for $4.95, a cool beverage is a nice way to keep from burning up. Sodas are on hand to quench thirst for $1.50.
Due to the formal nature of the eatery, dishes are expensive. They are also served at a set price. An entire dish runs at around $12.95 and includes rice. A single item from the entrée section runs at $5.95. Salads sell for somewhat less at around $3.95, as do appetizers. Still, it is possible to grab a quick meal with a friendly smile and head to the hookah lounge.
Items may be ordered to go. A to-go menu is readily available from the counter if needed as well.
