Okay, so it wasn’t just their coffee that made Mama Kabob my new favorite central Orange County hangout, though it was pretty darn good. It was also the incredible gyro plate, the hookah with the melon-strawberry flavored tobacco, the Persian disco, and the wireless internet. What else does a jaded O.C. lifestyle writer need to get inspired?
As it happened, I was on my way home from a run of the mill wedding. The same chicken and beef combo plate, same awkward toasts, and same table full of people who feel obligated to make conversation. So, at the first noticeable break in the action, I permanently excused myself. On the way home, it hit me that I hadn’t bothered to enjoy the wedding feast and was in need of some sustenance. On a whim, I got off the 55 freeway at 17th Street and headed towards Red Hill. At the first light, I noticed Mama Kabob and thought I’d give it a try.
Since it was a Saturday evening, they had moved all the tables outside and were getting ready for what ending up being a pretty fierce Persian disco party. While I chose to forego the $20 entrance fee (which included dinner with my dancing), I did adjourn to a table outside. I ordered the Beef Gyro plate for $8.99, which easily could have feed two people. In short, it was unbelievable.
After that I ordered up a Turkish coffee, which was a first for me. I was a little miffed initially, since Turkish coffee apparently comes in a cup about twice the size of a wine cork. I had wanted a big ‘ol cup of coffee to help shake off the food coma that had just come over me. A few sips later though, I realized that this wasn’t going to be a problem. When the authorities figure out how good Turkish coffee is, I wouldn’t be surprised if they ban the stuff!
By this time, the dining room-turned-disco was about half full and some other people had seated themselves outside (on gorgeous Persian rugs no less) and begun to smoke hookahs. For those of you unfamiliar with the hookah, it’s a large water pipe that you use to smoke tobacco mixed with fruit. It’s delicious and cool and probably not really that healthy. But, not being one to pass up a little decadence, I ordered myself up a hookah for $12 and spent the next hour regally puffing away.
In the midst of my happy decadence, the waiter informed me that they had free WiFi at Mama Kabob if I every wanted to relax and work. Being a closet workaholic, that was all the information I needed. I proceeded to pull out my Mac, order up some more Turkish coffee, and spend the next couple of hours typing away.
All in all, Mama Kabob is a fabulous little spot, highlighting a beautiful culture and providing a wonderful diversion from the standard O.C. dining experience. Best of all, I was out the door for under $30, including my moment of Zen with the hookah. Next time I’m in the neighborhood, I’m going to be sure to bring my wife back for a little dancing as well.
Mama Kabob is located at 13931 Carroll Way in Tustin, near the corner of 17th Street and Yorba St. All major credit cards are accepted.
