I had lunch at one heck of a Greek restaurant in Brandon this week called Kismets Restaurant & Catering.
Where?
Kismets is located right next door to the Kroger on Crossgates Boulevard – as in, Kismet’s Restaurant & Catering shares a parking lot with the grocery store! This was my first trip to Kismet’s, but I was optimistic based on the raves from our raves from our Eat Jackson Twitter followers.
Lunch at Kismet’s in Brandon
Kismets in Brandon
I walked into this small strip mall restaurant front door around 1:00 for a quick late lunch. I immediately saw a sign with directions on it: “Grab a menu and seat yourself,” it said. So I did just that!
As I found a table I noticed the interesting décor. It was almost like grandmother-y (which might explain the older ladies dining to my left) meets beachy (which could explain all the young families) meets Greece (which explains much of the food!) Bottom line: The atmosphere is hard to describe, but it’s quirky and comfortable.
What’s on the Menu?
The menu was a big one. Burgers, gyros and other wraps were a highlight. There were salads – both Greek-inspired and not. And also a selection of po-boys. Since Kismet’s is advertised as a “Greek restaurant,” I went with standard Greek fare: The Gyro.
My server was friendly and attentive with a laid back style to her table service. When I told her I wanted the Gyro, she responded, “Are you sure you don’t want the Gyro Deluxe? It comes with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, and is topped with Mozzarella cheese!” Hmmm… That did sound mighty tasty. “Ok, you talked me into it! And I want that open-faced please.”
For a dollar more, you can order your Gyro (or any wrap for that matter) open-faced. I wasn’t sure why that cost an extra dollar, but figured I’d find out soon enough!
Greek Food Fit for any God or Goddess (or Grandmother)
My Gyro was spectacular. The open-faced-ness of the wrap did make for an attractive presentation, but seeing that it came without any bread at all, I can’t figure out the extra buck charged. (I may be crazy, but I thought open-faced meant that it still came with the pita wrap – just not rolled up. So you should note that if that’s how you like it, we recommend you simply unwrap it yourself after it gets to the table.)
The Open-Faced Gyro
Aside from the lack of exterior wrap (which actually was probably a good thing: lower carb content), this dish was as flavorful as any I’ve had. The lamb, which I watched them slice in their open kitchen, had some serious flavors permeated into it. On top of being slap full of flavor, the meat was as tender as my great aunt’s heart. There was nothing tough about it! Again, I’ll reference my great aunt.
The vegetable and mozzarella medley topping the meat added to the charisma of the dish. The cheese was stringy and soft, and the sautéed vegetables were good and buttery. To make the meat, cheese, and vegetable mix even better… (I know what you’re thinking… Can it get any better? Just wait!) The plate came with a side of cucumber sauce. This light, airy, creamy dip filled with chopped up cucumbers and the tart flavor of yogurt took every bite to the next level. Woah.
I used this cucumber sauce as a dip for my pita triangles that came alongside the gyro. The pita triangles were extra soft and fresh.
By the end of my meal, I was completely stuffed. I really wanted to try their Peppermint Cheesecake, but I just couldn’t make it happen. Maybe next time I’ll take one of our own 2012 challenges and eat dessert first!
Have you been to Kismets Restaurant & Catering in Brandon? You can enjoy this fantastic and fresh Greek food 11 am – 10 pm Monday thru Saturday. Kismet’s is closed on Sunday. They also (as their name implies) cater – which is an added bonus for the Greek food lovers out there who’d like to order in to lunch meetings, parties and such.
What should we order next time we go?
Kismet’s Restaurant & Catering
315 Crossgates Blvd Ste G
Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-8380
kismets.net
They have really good Greek seasoned fries! And the burgers are really good too.
We’ve heard good things about the burgers, too! Sometimes the best burgers are in the most unconventional places… For example, Sombra has a killer cheeseburger! Who would have ever guessed?
They have really good Greek seasoned fries! And the burgers are really good too.
We’ve heard good things about the burgers, too! Sometimes the best burgers are in the most unconventional places… For example, Sombra has a killer cheeseburger! Who would have ever guessed?