3326 Coach Lane, Cameron Park,
530-387-7110,
parksgyroshawarmagrill.com

I’ve been a fan of Mediterranean food ever since being introduced to it by my dad at nine years old. My love hasn’t once wavered, and I’ve even learned how to properly pronounce gyro (it’s ye-ro, not ji-ro, Dad!). When Park’s Gyro & Shawarma Grill opened in January of this year, you best believe I was one of their first customers. On my most recent visit, I bypassed pronunciation, since my husband and I both ordered shawarmas. I stuck to my old ways and ordered mine with lamb and steak, while my husband decided on chicken; both were generously filled with fresh lettuce, onions, and tomatoes, plus adequate amounts (not smothered and overwhelming) of hummus and tzatziki. Considering we’re at different ends of the spice spectrum, I appreciate that they offer different levels of heat (mild, medium, hot, or none). I tried my husband’s “spicy” shawarma, and it was hot! We also opted to add a Greek salad and fries. The salad consisted of a little lettuce alongside ample hunks of feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and black olives—all tossed in a light dressing of olive oil and vinegar; the fries were fries (crispy, salty, served hot), which is always a good thing. While the restaurant has plenty of tables and chairs, we took our meal to go, and it seemed other patrons were doing the same. Park’s also serves Philly cheesesteaks, falafel, kabobs, and burgers. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the baklava: flaky pastry with finely chopped nuts and honey…it’s worth a return trip just for that.    

— by Emily Peter-Corey

MORE MOUTHWATERING MEDITERRANEAN MEALS

Feta late than never to enjoy a tasty Mediterranean meal. Check out these local hot spots that serve palatable options to please all palates.

Express Gyro
880 Sterling Parkway, Suite 30, Lincoln, 916-253-9420, expressgyrolincoln.com
MUST-TRY: Greek Fries

Jayna Gyro 
1132 Galleria Boulevard, Suite 100, Roseville, 916-244-4451, jaynagyro.com
MUST-TRY: Beef & Lamb Gyro Bowl

Nick the Greek 
711 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Suite 160, Roseville, 916-474-4336, nickthegreek.com
MUST-TRY: Greek Froyo with Baklava

Pitas Are Us
2690 East Bidwell Street, Suite 300, Folsom, 916-817-1184, pitasareus.com
MUST-TRY: Falafel Over Rice

Prime Gyro & Grills
704 East Bidwell Street, Suite 1, Folsom, 916-661-7075, primegyroandgrills.com
MUST-TRY: Lamb Steak Plate

Wally’s Cafe
2110 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 600, Rocklin, 916-580-0850, wallys.cafe
MUST-TRY: Tabbouleh

Zest Mediterranean Cuisine 
1008 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-618-4358, zest.restaurant
MUST-TRY: Vegan Sampler

by Bella Nolen

Park’s Gyro & Shawarma Grill: shawarma and baklava photos by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia; fries and Greek salad photos by Jyo Bhamidipati ©stylereadersmedia. Express Gyro photo by John Kaz. Prime Gyro & Grills photo by Mohammad Basir Omarkhail. Zest Mediterranean Cuisine photo by Taylor Allred ©stylereadersmedia. Other photos courtesy of their respective restaurants.

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