The closest thing Kansas City has to a Middle Eastern diner, the comfortable and casual Jerusalem Café has been a favorite spot for many vegetarians. Yes, there’s plenty of creamy hummus, baba ghanoush and pita bread to devour. However, the kitchen also sends out tasty kabobs on a bed of lightly spiced rice. Even the lowly gyro sandwich seems superior here, lavished with tomato and a creamy dill-dappled sauce. — Charles Ferruzza
Price: $
Payment Type: All Major Credit Cards, Diners Club, cash, check
Parking: Garage, Lot Available, Street
Reservations: Recommended for Large Parties
Attire: casual
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It is not often a restaurant does more than provide good food and good service. Considering myself a bit of a foodie, I dine often, and expect the utmost service and quality; however, one local spot went so above and beyond at a recent dining experience I felt compelled to share.
Having just completed an art class, two friends and I were looking for a good meal a bit off the beaten path. Something we didn’t have everyday and was a good local spot. We decided on Jerusalem Cafe, for some great food. We had all been here several times before and enjoyed it immensely. The hummus, baba ganoush, and dolmas we ordered as an appetizer were simply delectable. Warm pita bread accompanied the sample appetizer platter. Conversation came to a halt as moans and groans of pure delight echoed from our table. The quiet dimly lit restaurant was surely bothered by the sounds of joy coming from our table.
Then came the main course. We had each ordered some sort of pita sandwich, two of us the gyro, and one shawarmah chicken. Again, our conversation stopped and the cacophony of happy eating continued.
Then the noises from our table turned, and turned quickly. My friend yelled in a panic to call 911, as his wife shook uncontrollably, her eyes seemingly rolling back. Screams came from across the restaurant, other patrons starred as we quickly tried to figure out what was going on. The convulsions lasted for what seemed like hours, but really only minutes.
Within a few more minutes the fire fighters and EMTs arrived, completely disrupting this quiet, dimly lit establishment. Service halted while everyone starred to see if she was alright. “A seizure”, the paramedic said, “we need to take her to the hospital.“ Time continued to move slowly, and all focus stayed on my friend. Our server and the manager both quickly jumping to do whatever we needed. The EMTs loaded her up and off to the hospital we went.
Once the chaos had calmed and the doctors assured us she would be okay, we breathed. And then it dawned on me. We had walked out on our tab, something none of us had ever done before. The next day I went back, looking to thank our server and the manager as well as pay our debt. I met the most gracious manager. He immediately recognized me and said “is she okay.” I replied yes, and that I needed to pay our tab. He refused. He said, “Just make sure she is okay, this one is on us.”
Too often we go through life and are disappointed by the compassion people share. For us, that Wednesday evening we experienced great compassion that will not be forgotten. The food, always fantastic, the ambiance exactly what we wanted, but more than that a place we truly feel treats its customers as neighbors, not clients.
Thank you Jeresualem Cafe. We look forward to our next, hopefully less eventful, visit.
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