Before my excursion to Kasbah Café, I did what any computer-dependent American would do: I Googled it. What better way to get the skinny on hours and such? Everyone has a Web site, right?
Wrong. Somewhat confused and thoroughly unsatisfied, I pulled myself away from the Internet and thumbed through the phone book (yes, they still print those), but no luck there either. At this point, I began to doubt the existence of this alleged café altogether. Nonetheless, I persevered. A trip to Fells Point is never a bad time, so I hopped in the car and cruised on down.
Much to my delight, Kasbah Café does exist, smack dab in the middle of Broadway Square. Turns out, Kasbah is a quaint little sandwich shop specializing in popcorn and pita wraps. Behind the counter is a large popcorn machine that emits a delectable aroma. Each kernel is coated with sticky-sweet caramel; simply standing in the restaurant, I could feel cavities forming. The cafe menu, although small, has a nice selection of chicken, tuna and veggie pitas. A fresh-squeezed lemonade paired with a tuna salad pita cost me a measly $7.45 (plus tax).
With only four or five tables for two, the shop was fairly empty. OK, it was deserted. But, this gave me plenty of time to sit and think. Eventually my thoughts turned to the cafe's moniker. The "Kasbah" indicates something Middle Eastern but the menu more obviously portends a Greek influence (there were even grape leaves). Whatever its origin, the tuna salad with lettuce and tomato on a savory flour pita was delicious. If someone had told me it was heaven-sent, I would not have argued.
Nuzzled in the intimacy of the little café, I also had a minute to chat with the owner. The shopkeeper was very hospitable and excited about the future of the café. He was eager to make sure that I tried both his caramel corn and his sweet "seven nut" corn, giving me samples of each. While both were delicious, I'd have to say I favored the crunchy "seven nut."
Tthe shop also sells a large assortment of candy, some homemade pastries, and a small selection of Edy's ice cream. This makes Kasbah not only a quick pick for a café-style lunch, but also a nice stop for snacks while perusing Broadway Market Square.
Dish: Although I was highly tempted by the falafel pita, I opted for the tuna salad pita: flour flatbread stuffed with tuna salad, lettuce and tomato.
Damage: Tuna pita: $5.95, fresh squeezed lemonade: $1.50, the sweet, sweet smell of fresh, sugar-infused popcorn: free. Total damage: $7.45.
Decision: At the very least, stop in for some popcorn and lemonade. The friendly staff will convince you to stay or return for a meal.
Wrong. Somewhat confused and thoroughly unsatisfied, I pulled myself away from the Internet and thumbed through the phone book (yes, they still print those), but no luck there either. At this point, I began to doubt the existence of this alleged café altogether. Nonetheless, I persevered. A trip to Fells Point is never a bad time, so I hopped in the car and cruised on down.
Much to my delight, Kasbah Café does exist, smack dab in the middle of Broadway Square. Turns out, Kasbah is a quaint little sandwich shop specializing in popcorn and pita wraps. Behind the counter is a large popcorn machine that emits a delectable aroma. Each kernel is coated with sticky-sweet caramel; simply standing in the restaurant, I could feel cavities forming. The cafe menu, although small, has a nice selection of chicken, tuna and veggie pitas. A fresh-squeezed lemonade paired with a tuna salad pita cost me a measly $7.45 (plus tax).
With only four or five tables for two, the shop was fairly empty. OK, it was deserted. But, this gave me plenty of time to sit and think. Eventually my thoughts turned to the cafe's moniker. The "Kasbah" indicates something Middle Eastern but the menu more obviously portends a Greek influence (there were even grape leaves). Whatever its origin, the tuna salad with lettuce and tomato on a savory flour pita was delicious. If someone had told me it was heaven-sent, I would not have argued.
Nuzzled in the intimacy of the little café, I also had a minute to chat with the owner. The shopkeeper was very hospitable and excited about the future of the café. He was eager to make sure that I tried both his caramel corn and his sweet "seven nut" corn, giving me samples of each. While both were delicious, I'd have to say I favored the crunchy "seven nut."
Tthe shop also sells a large assortment of candy, some homemade pastries, and a small selection of Edy's ice cream. This makes Kasbah not only a quick pick for a café-style lunch, but also a nice stop for snacks while perusing Broadway Market Square.
Dish: Although I was highly tempted by the falafel pita, I opted for the tuna salad pita: flour flatbread stuffed with tuna salad, lettuce and tomato.
Damage: Tuna pita: $5.95, fresh squeezed lemonade: $1.50, the sweet, sweet smell of fresh, sugar-infused popcorn: free. Total damage: $7.45.
Decision: At the very least, stop in for some popcorn and lemonade. The friendly staff will convince you to stay or return for a meal.
