Tiba - mediterranean kitchen

Hello all! This is my first post so please forgive the rough edges.

This a new spot in the plaza at Lawrence and California where the recently resurrected Han Bat resides.

I stopped in for lunch the other day and had the pretty good "business lunch" special - the falafel was squat and wide with a great crunch ratio. Sorry I neglected to take pics.

One thing that caught my eye and that I will try on a subsequent visit is a dish called a "Kalaya" - the menu wasn't very descriptive so I asked the gentleman at the counter to describe it - he said that it was sort of a stewy saute eaten with rice or pita. I'm curious if any of you have encountered this dish before?

The place is quite large and the staff was friendly. It's nice to have an option for mid eastern/med. food on the eastern shore of the river.

I hope some folks have a chance to check it out and chime in.

Thanks!

2721 W Lawrence Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(872) 208-6660
http://www.tibarestaurantchicago.com

A few who I typically agree with seem to like Tiba, maybe I caught them on an off hour as the three items I ordered missed mediocre. Falafel, cold, slightly greasy, gummy. Hummus, odd overly tart flavor, almost like lemon juice from a bottle or citric acid powder*, cucumber yogurt salad, watery flavorless, pita cold and, I'd guess, day old. Three thinning shawarma wheels appeared dry and unloved.

I ate about 25% of my food and, if they were open (closed Tuesday), would have pulled a kuhdo at Han Bat in the same strip mall.

Comfortable seating, good service, lots of parking, reasonably priced and came recommended. I might give Tiba another go.

*Pure conjecture alert.

This randomly reminded me that I scrape the bottom of my car every single time I leave this parking lot.

Careful exiting here everyone!