We stumbled into the doors of Mashawi Grill after a hectic scramble across downtown Champaign...during a rain storm. But let me back up...we were on our way home from a college visit in Grinnell, Iowa. I really didn't want any fast food, so we looked to Champaign for some good eats. I wanted to try this Chinese place with 1,364 menu items (1,364!) but my mom wasn't in the mood. So, we tried to go to Maize Mexican Grill. After finally finding it and struggling to park, we went in and found that it was completely full. We decided we couldn't eat it in the car, so we tried to go to El Charro across the street, but they didn't have a parking lot. Keep in mind this was all during monsoonal rain. So, Mashawi Grill it was.
Sorry for all the backstory, but I wanted to set up just how bedraggled we were upon entering this restaurant. We were hustled into line and ordered quickly in the loud, hectic space, before shambling upstairs with our trays and finally sitting down. Interesting note: because all of their tables are large, you will most likely be popping a squat with some total strangers. But hey, as long as the food's good, right?
And it was. I had the shish tawook, which came with two kinds of rice. Both kinds of rice were delicious (one was bright yellow and mild, the other orange and spicy). The meat itself (chicken) was rubbed in a lovely spice mix as well. The meat my dad had in his dish (shawarma?) was better, however. Everything came with pita bread as well, for sandwiching or dipping.
I'd probably give 4.5 if I could. Wonderful flavors. Not quite enough for a 5 though...maybe if it had been a little less stressful getting the food and getting it all up to an available seat. It was cheap, though...cheapest Mediterranean food we've had in a long time. I'd come back if I lived in Champaign...then again, we passed so many authentic hole-in-the-wall Korean joints on the way here that it'd be tough to ever go somewhere more than once!