Zaina

[KC-wildcat]

There is a sign in the window at the former Cupini's at 12th & Walnut that says a new restaurant called 'Papa Joe' is coming soon.

KCDowntown

Cupini's has officially been replaced by Zaina - Mediterranean Cuisine.  Menu is posted on the door.  Food looks like pretty standard Greek fare.  Modest prices - $6-10.  They should kill it during the lunch hour.  Hopefully they keep decent evening hours during the week.  A walkup window would be pretty awesome too during the weekend late night hours.        

[bbqboy]

greek breakfast? 

[dangerboy]

yes, Greeks eat breakfast.

[ignatius]

Looking forward to trying it.  Original Cupinis on Westport Rd was OK but the downtown one was a plate of cold salt.

As far as breakfast methinks the Greeks prefer just a cup of coffee with a cigarette.  But I'd expect spinach/feta omelettes, tomato/feta flatbread, loukoumades (honey puffs) or fried donut holes with honey and hopefully Turkish coffee.

When will it open?

[bbqboy]

yes, Greeks eat breakfast.

that was`supposed to be a "sounds delicious" smilie, not a sarcastic "LOL" smilie.

[moosnsqrl]

Please let them have Greek yogurt!

[KC-wildcat]

They opened today.  Anybody been?

[KCPowercat]

Hell yes. I am going today I think. What is on their menu? 

[loftguy]

greek breakfast? 

When I have been in NY, and Chicago, some of my best/most memorable breakfasts were in Greek restaurants.

Or, I guess they were more greek-run restaurants.

Something along the line of John Belushi's Saturday Nite Live Schtick..........."Chizbugha, chizbugha, chizbugha....pepsi, pepsi, pepsi." 

Just insert "eggz ovah eazy...coffee, coffee, coffee."

[KCPowercat]

They seemed quite busy and definitely not prepared for a lunch crush quite yet and I got their early. Guy  os like the polar opposite of rob from cupinis which is humorous.

Menu is the standard gyro, shawarma, falafel, and some big lunch combos ....pic below.

I am no gyro meat expert but I really liked mine. Good addition downtown.

[mean]

How's it compare to Habashi House?

[KC-wildcat]

Got lunch there today as well.  Got the Gyro Platter.  Rice, Hummus, Beef or Chicken, Pita(?).  I think it was supposed to come with Pita, but my plate didn't have any. 

The beef was good.  The rice was pretty bland.  The Hummus had good flavor (spicy), but was really thin and soupy.  And, again, I didn't have any bread. 

This place has great potential, but it really has a ways to go.  Decor was pretty bad.  Service was pretty slow.  Food was average at best. 

Overall, it just seemed like they weren't ready to be open, quite yet. 

[bbqboy]

no lamb?

[ignatius]

at least they aren't using iceberg lettuce.

[KCPowercat]

Nope, no lamb.  that never hit me till you just posted that.

[ignatius]

Just tried it for lunch.  Thumbs up for counter food.  The beef gyro does have lamb mixed in. It's actually spiced up fairly well I thought for counter food.  Hummus doable too.  Will go back for quick bites.  Not a destination but is what it should be for pedestrian counters.

[KC-wildcat]

Returned to Zaini today for my second visit.  Much better.  It was staffed adequately.  Service was fast.  Large lunch crowd moved through pretty quick. 

Food was better too.  hummus was thicker, better texture.  Gyro tasted better, more flavor. 

Absence of lamb is still kinf of ridiculous. 

Good improvement from last visit. 

[KCPowercat]

Totally agree. I went last week and noticed all the item you just stated.

And they keep good hours even on Saturday.

[geeman68]

I also stepped into Zaina today and had the falafel and Kaffa combo.  Pretty good stuff.  Service was very very fast.  Like, I just sat down with my beverage and they walked up with my food.  I was like "whoa".  It was pretty busy and good crowd.

[staubio]

I had a chicken schwarma omlette for breakfast the other day. Schwarma meat with onions, tomato and feta cheese. It was fantastic. I want to eat another one right now.