Robee's Falafel

Have you ever felt like you were in the right place, but at the wrong time? That would be an appropriate description of tonight. A nice Thursday evening in downtown San Jose. A newly renovated urban hot spot; music, TVs and a bar. The kind of place you would think to go to when you have an evening free, and you'd be right... just not yet. From what I can tell there is a solid year before The San Pedro Square Market lives up it's expectations. Right now, when you walk through it, it is half finished and does not make you want to stop for a quick drink. Stopping in after work is not as much like going to a local bar as it is going to a construction zone. Unfortunately this feel has an effect on the dining experience.

Overall the food at Robee's Falafel was good, not great, but about what you would expect from a dining scene that feels as much like a food court at the mall as a true neighborhood gem. Actually, when I phrase it like that it was pretty good, better than the mall. The menu was limited. The chicken Shwarma was recommended as the favorite so we got that along with a gyro and dolma. If I am going to be a true food critic I would call the chicken a little dry and the whole Shwarma dish lacking in flavor. Something was missing, more than likely salt. The gyro was really good, lamb, dill, yogurt and fresh onion... mmmm. I don't doubt that if Robee's can stay open for the next few years it will do great. I can see a place like this getting a cult local following, becoming a staple in a community, but it will take time. San Pedro Square Market is not ready for a big dining scene. It is getting close, but still a game changing restaurant or two away. Until next time... NEXT ROUND'S ON ME