Caspian Grill

Despite the 2 stars I'd be inclined to try this place again and update the review accordingly.  

With primo real estate on Frankfort Avenue near Heine Brothers' and Carmichael's, Caspian had been catching my eye for a while.  During my lunch break one day, I decided to take a break to give this place a try.  

The ambience reminded me of a Greek diner, and not in a bad way.  I liked how you order at a register, behind which you can see into part of the kitchen, with jars of olives and other condiments winking back at you.  There was one person manning the joint on the day that I went, and he promptly greeted me and took my order.  While I waited I checked out what the other diners ate, which was nestled in little plastic baskets (you know, the kind that you get chicken fingers in when you go to a diner -- I happen to think they're kind of fun) and also sneaked a peek at the gelato.  I decided I'd steer clear of the gelato, it looked like it had been out for a while and was a little pricey at $3.25 for a small serving.  

I also thought I heard the sound of a microwave beeping in the back while the person was getting my food.  Not significant at that time but I remembered it later . . .

I got my food to go and had sat down at a picnic table down the street when I realized that I didn't have a spoon.  The person waiting on me that day was accommodating and got me one quickly, and I returned to the picnic spot to enjoy my lunch.  

Except that I couldn't enjoy it.  I had gotten the lentil soup and it was full of cold spots in a plethora of lukewarm.  I tried stirring it, sampled again (still cold) and stirred some more.  I was in a hurry and had to settle for lukewarm soup on that particular day.  It had great flavor, but I couldn't get past the idea that I like my soup piping hot.  

So, I may give it a few months, but I'd be willing to order something else and eat in the restaurant, just in case I need to ask for something to be nuked.

I was conflicted between giving 2 or 3 stars on this review. The lighting in the restaurant is very dim, and not in a way that gives it a nice ambience. It felt unintentionally messy and cluttered, and had too many tables for the size of the space.

I had been inclined to give a 2 until I received my dish, which was very good. I got a chicken kabob with a side of basmati rice, tatziki sauce and a small cucumber and tomato salad. The chicken was well seasoned and moist and the rice was perfectly cooked. The meal was a bit overpriced at $10.39, especially considering it was served on a paper plate and the salad was not very substantial.

Cons:
-Bad lighting
-Cheap feeling
-Overpriced

Pros:
-Friendly staff
-Good food

I think this replaced the greek restaurant, but I may be wrong. It is definitely an improvement from the moment you walk in the door. The menu is your typical Mediterranean items but also has some things you would not expect to see, like burgers. Hummus itself was good, but pita was basically store bought and thrown in a ziploc bag....and served that way. All dishes came served in cheap red plastic baskets, cup was paper, as were the plates. Those alone took this place down a notch in my book. We had gyro and chicken kabob. The food actually had pretty good flavor, the gyro had weird slices of meat (lamb and beef it says), but it taste good. Kabob was also good. We left full but a bit disappointed. Pita needs to be either made in house or higher quality store bought. Presentation of everything needs to be taken up a notch because the product is actually pretty good.