When Randa Kattan picks up the phone at the Mediterranean Grill in Fogelsville, she says she’s feeling “excited and happy and busy.”
She’s especially excited and happy and busy now, as Mediterranean Grill opens its second location after seven years, on Sunday at 22 W. Broad St. in Bethlehem.
Sunday’s grand opening will include free appetizers for customers who show staff the restaurant’s Facebook post advertising the deal. At 7 p.m., a belly dancing show will take place.
Mediterranean Grill’s new Bethlehem location will serve up the same Middle Eastern-inspired menu as its sister location in Fogelsville. The chef is Kattan’s husband, who will also be helping with the Bethlehem location.
Kattan said the menu has appetizers, main courses, and desserts that are found around the Mediterranean, with Greek, Armenian, Turkish and Syrian influences. Plates include grape leaves, hummus, shawarma entrees, and a variety of kebabs, kibbehs and house-made gyros. Mediterranean Grill also serves seasonal juices — come summer, customers can expect fresh watermelon juice, Kattan said.
Kattan’s son Michael — who will be managing the Bethlehem location — has celiac disease and requires a gluten-free diet. “It was hard to find gluten-free food,” she said. Because of her personal experience, the kitchen is particular about separating food for those who have food allergies or restrictions, using separate containers, oil and dishes to avoid cross-contamination.
Those restrictions, however, have led to some unique dishes that are gluten-free and can’t be found anywhere else. “We make a pita with cassava flour so that it’s gluten-free,” she said. The restaurant also offers a homemade, gluten-free rice pudding that is topped with shredded coconut, pistachio and oranges.
Another unique bread that is offered is saj, an extremely thin yet supple flatbread that pulls from the Kattans’ Syrian heritage. The bread can be used just like pita to sop up sauces or for wraps.
Kattan said the restaurant also has extensive vegetarian and vegan options. Each dish is made in-house by Kattan’s husband.
“It’s a true family business,” she said. “Michael is my first baby, and now these restaurants are my second babies.”
Mediterranean Grill will have its Bethlehem grand opening Sunday. The restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Originally Published: December 13, 2023 at 8:30 AM EST