The conventional wisdom is that sequels are never as good as the original movie. Or in instances when they are, it’s usually a case of a series, as opposed to a two-part story, e.g., the endearing Toy Story franchise. But, we all know of movies in the first category – Home Alone, a great Christmas movie, which introduced Macauley Culkin to the world, followed by the demented Home Alone 2, that made us leave the theaters scratching our heads, wondering “What were they thinking?” or “How in the world can anyone survive all of THAT?”
Well, as someone who is a movie fan (albeit, not as many in recent years), I can tell you that this post will defy that conventional wisdom, and this sequel will be just as good as its original (if not better)!
My most recent post on Levant Cafe & Grill was the part 1. I won’t rehash everything I’d said before, but I did mention a sequel was coming so I could highlight one of their spicy sauces I had not yet tried – namely, their homemade Jalapeno Cilantro spicy sauce. Well, today, I tried it, among other things, and as expected, it was fabulous! BUT WAIT – THERE’S MORE! I even tried an item I had overlooked before in my previous visits/orders – specifically, the Lebanese potatoes.
The Jalapeno Cilantro sauce had both good flavor and a creamy texture. My personal taste buds seemed to indicate that creamy texture is indicative of a Tahini sauce-base, but don’t quote me! The jalapenos, themselves were minced quite well and spread evenly to provide that tangy spice that went great with my Makafel sandwich. For those who are familiar with the Austin-based, growing Tex-Mex juggernaut Chuy’s (yes, there will be a review of them in the future – patience, dear grasshoppers! :)), I think that if Levant plays their cards right, this could become another famous Jalapeno dip, just like the Chuy’s one!
Onto the Lebanese potatoes…simple, yet oh so satisfying! Roasted, salted potatoes coated in a nice red pepper sauce. Spicy enough for most people, but I specifically requested mine to be made “as spicy as humanly possible” in my DoorDash instructions, and boy did they come through! This will be another side I will order in the future, during my carb-loading days!
And the final piece – Levant also gave me some Iraqi amba on the side. Not necessarily spicy (at least, according to my taste buds), but this yellow-orange (mango-based) sauce is so full of tangy flavor and zest. I’d tried the amba several times before, but this was the first time I experienced it standalone – and it won’t be my last! 🙂
Details:
- Address: 1320 Cypress Creek Road #105, Cedar Park, TX 78613
- Phone: (737) 205-6991
- Website: levantgrille.com
- Menu: http://levantgrille.com/menu/
Spicy Flavors (Updated):
- Palestinian Mhammara bread
- Jalapeno hummus
- Homemade spicy chili sauce (not on the menu – you have to request)
- Homemade Jalapeno cilantro sauce (not on the menu – you have to request)
- Lebanese potatoes
- Iraqi amba (more zest than spice, but great flavor, nonetheless)
Personal Faves:
- As long as it’s vegetarian or vegan, I love it! This place is Middle Eastern perfection!
- Tried twice the Makafel sandwich with Iraqi amba (didn’t I say the place was diverse!)
- Recently tried vegetarian Syrian moussaka
- On my low carb days, I go for one of the bowls versus sandwiches
Spice on, my friends!
