POTs
Tahini Shake – Coconut Milk, Medjool Dates, Chia Seeds, Tahini Paste
Cauliflower Shawarma – Crispy Cauliflower, Pita Bread, Shawarma Spices, Labna Dressing, Salata Baladi, Arugula
Taamia – Egyptian Falafel, Pita Bread, Split Fava Beans, Herb Mix, Tahini, Salata Baladi, Arugula
Sweet Potato Fries – Fried in Peanut Oil, Herbs, House Ketchup
Egyptian Fries – Fried in Peanut Oil, Doqqa Spice, House Ketchup
Dried Apricot Mahlabeya – Dried Apricot Pudding, Shredded Coconut, Raisins
Halawa Brownies – Chocolate, Tahini, Halva, Vegan Ice Cream
Recently generating some buzz on South Rainbow north of Oakey it was for dinner on Wednesday evening that two guests entered POTs, the owner and one employee immediately emerging from the back as another party followed and explaining the concept as “Authentic Egyptian Cuisine,” a novelty to the Las Vegas market despite several other restaurants presenting various dishes originating in the Middle East.
Bolstered by good word of mouth since opening in February, owner Iman an affable sort who hangs out in the dining room asking guests their impressions and offering details about POTs’ concept, it is from a limited number of dishes featured on an overhead menu that guests make their selections before paying at the counter, prices including $7 Fries and small containers of various Spreads for $8.50 decidedly steep based on Ingredients, though there is no doubt of the kitchen or staff’s commitment to serving a quality product.
Pleasant in terms of décor, a bookshelf featuring various knick-knacks set next to two couches while steel chairs and light bulbs suspended from rope add to the ambiance, it was shortly after spending nearly $50 including tax and tip that first items arrived, the Egyptian Fries blistering hot and crispy beneath spices including Cumin, Sesame and Mint while fried Sweet Potatoes were served room temperature and more subtly spiced but excellent in housemade Ketchup brightened by Citrus.
Offering no Meat on the menu, most items either naturally Vegan or possible to prepare as such, it was while eating Fries and sipping a thin Shake with mild sweetness that two Pitas arrived next, one called Taamia and described as Egyptian Falafel well prepared but marred in its flavor by too much Mint while Cauliflower “Shawarma” fared better in terms of taste with an even lighter and virtually oilless texture.
Finally served Dessert prior to finishing Pitas, a minor issue only since one included Ice Cream, it was here that POTs suggestion of “by mixing the familiar with the unfamiliar, we produce a taste like NO Other” rang most truthful, a dish called Mahlabeya offering the texture of Panna Cotta beneath Apricot Jello studded in dried Fruits while the Brownies were much like many similar Sundaes except that the Chocolate contained salty Tahini and bits of melted Halwa which rendered it sticky and sweeter in parts, much like Salty Caramel but without the Butter or Milk thus making for one delicious Vegan treat.
THREE AND A HALF STARS: Unquestionably a niche Restaurant, fast-casual concepts featuring healthier options a continuing trend that should be embraced, POTs adds something new to The Valley and does so with honesty and passion, but considering the simplicity of their Ingredients prices trend a little higher than need be while such a brief menu does little to demand return visits save for those with specific dietary needs.
RECOMMENDED: Cauliflower Shawarma, Sweet Potato Fries, Halawa Brownies.
AVOID: Tahini Shake was edible but not particularly flavorful while those sensitive to Mint should steer clear of the Taamia.
TIP: Those looking to check the place out and save a few bucks should sign up on the website for free Fries or consult Restaurant.com for $15 off $30 coupons.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.potslv.com
