Eating is no joke at Alma Pita. Alma does the cooking, her husband does the schmoozing and all the customers do the eating at this teensy Middle Eastern and Lebanese eatery in Uptown. The flavorful, addictive home-cooked food won't empty your wallet, either. The chicken kabob plate comes with tender, marinated cubes of chicken, a hearty veggie stew, warm pita bread and a generous serving of pillowy soft rice for a mere $7.50. For those afraid to venture into Middle Eastern food, Alma's got your hamburger, cheeseburger, turkey burger or veggie burger for $4.50 each.
The funky interior is designed with a lot of love, which is most apparent when dining below the painting of a bizarre forest scene full of flying ducks and confused-looking animals. Get an eyeful of Uptown Theatre in pictures, stare at the silly "Alma Pita Ave" street sign, or just listen to Alma and her hubbie argue briefly about some doings in the kitchen. Toss your fears of ethnic cuisine aside and order a sweet, thick rose lassi or mango lassi ($2.50), a much needed complement to Alma's spicy eats. A strong Arabic coffee might also be necessary after the giant portions settle to the bottom of your stomach, and provides a nice change from the usual Starbucks (if you can't kick the habit, there's one a few doors down).
Centerstage Reviewer: Alicia Eler
