by Steven Doyle
When it come to delicious Mediterranean cuisine I set my sights recently on a spot that has been around for 10 years in Richardson, Jasmine Cafe. I had been curious about the restaurant that I have passed many, many times in the past, particularly eye-balling the hookah lounge next door which is part of the same business. The lounge always seemed very crowded (and it is), and the restaurant equally as busy.
Owned by brother Salmen and and Loai Nameer, they both fell into the restaurant business by pure happenstance. The Nameer’s lived in Jerusalem, each attending university. Salmen decided to pick up shifts at a restaurant while working on his electronic engineering degree. Although he did graduate, his heart was really in restaurants. He enjoyed the people aspect, and he was working at one of the more famous restaurants which has been serving continuously for over 65 years; a place called Philadelphia which serves tasty Palestinian cuisine. Brother Loai soon followed in the footsteps, working his way up the ranks, beginning as dishwasher, and fell in love with his eventual post as chef. Continue reading →