87 SANITATION SCORE
Ordered online 25 minutes before showing up because they are really busy for lunch. Walking in, there is not one clean table in the place -- every table has dirty dishes from their previous patrons. I headed up to the counter, and waited patiently to be acknowledged (I worked in restaurants for 20 years and I despised impatient customers, so out of respect I stand out of the staff's way). 5 minutes go by. Four more people walk in and wait behind me. 10 more minutes go by. The expo inquires with three people that came in behind me as to if they are here to pickup or place an order. Having still not being acknowledged, and in plain view, now I am getting aggravated. Interjecting, I tell the expo that I ordered online (now 40 minutes since putting in the order) and am here to pick up and give him my name. He mumbles something and asks if anyone needs to pay. 5 more minutes go by, and the four people behind me have gotten their food and left. Returning to the expo I ask if they even have a ticket for my online order and show him my receipt -- he then has the audacity to argue with me that I did not tell him I was there to pick up an online order and tells me to have a seat. Eventually, after an hour, I received my food, receiving a brisk "Sorry for the wait". The only reason this review is not a one star is because the food is truly delicious, but never again will I give them my business because they do not know how to respectfully...
Read moreAnother failure in the Arabic cuisine scene in Charlotte. I went at lunchtime on a Saturday. The parking lot was full but Jasmine was empty. The people were all at the Mexican restaurant next door. I soon discovered why.. The service was slow and devoid of any effort at being personable. The place itself was dreary and unimpressive. I waited for my food…and waited….despite being only one of two tables occupied in the restaurant. What was served was a disaster. Baba ganouge is an appetizer. When correctly made, the eggplant is grilled which gives it a smoky flavor, it is then pureed with ‘some’ tahini, garlic and spices. It will have a greenish/greyish color from the natural color of the eggplant after roasting. I was served something unrecognizable by sight or taste. It had a flavor like some kind of chemical paste. It was disgusting. My chicken kebab was equally bad, the chicken tough and rubbery. I declined the entire meal after a single bite of each dish. I was not charged and I was offered a replacement but I am not a masochist and do not typically like to repeat bad meals. The prices were not excessive but were no bargain either especially considering how poor the food quality and preparation were. My impression is that this place is struggling and if so, it is clear why. Worst of all is leaving there knowing that the average local has never had good, authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and will think this is representative of the...
Read moreDecided to try something new for lunch and had driven by a few times, so decided why not give Jasmine Grill a shot, and I must admit that this is one hidden gem you don't want to miss.
Was greeted with a warm welcome by Nilo the moment I walked in, which unfortunately in today's day and age isn't a given, so this was a pleasant surprise and really speaks to the inviting family feel of the restaurant.
Decided to do takeout and went with the chicken shawarma wrap with fries, which was a great value at only $8.99.
The food was made to order, but still was ready in no time, and once again, Nilo expressed his appreciation and gratitude for my business, which again, may seem like a small touch, but in a world where restaurant employees give the impression with their poor service, that they don't care whether you frequent their place or not, Nilo's five star customer service was beyond refreshing and speaks to the commitment Jasmine Grill has to their customers.
Last but not least, the food, and this is definitely an instance of saving the best for last. The food was nice and hot and had tremendous flavor, as even the fries had a nice seasoning which complimented the wrap perfectly.
So, if you are looking for great tasting food at a solid value along with amazing customer service, then I highly suggest you give Nilo and the crew at Jasmine...
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