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248.669.2000
2300 Haggerty Road, Suite 1110
West Bloomfield, Michigan 48323
24 line
20 • 2013
Loya Organic Kebab Cafe
W
ith more people choosing to
eat organic meat, fruit and
vegetables, Moiz Habib may
have picked the perfect time to share his
passion for the organic lifestyle. In early
March, he opened his first restaurant,
Loya Organic Kebab Cafe, in the Lake
Side Plaza north of Lone Pine in West
Bloomfield.
Loya, which means "grand" in the
Pakistani language Pashto, prepares
food grown or raised under the natural
conditions that used to be commonplace
in agriculture and animal husbandry
— before the word "organic" was ever
applied. Strict guidelines are
followed in the production
of organic food, providing
benefit to consumers, soil
conditions and water sup-
plies. Organic food is free
of the genetic modifications
that make manufacturers
like Monsanto a focus of
protests.
Finally, organic products
are fresher because they
don't include preservatives
— and fresher generally
means a better-tasting prod-
uct. The organic and grass-fed meats and
fresh produce at Loya are sourced from
Michigan farms, helping them prosper.
In many ways, then, organic food is a big
win-win.
It may feel healthier to choose organic
food at a restaurant, but mediocre cook-
ing won't bring customers back. That's
not a problem at Loya, where guests
seem to appreciate the unique and deli-
cious menu.
"We do not have a fryer or a micro-
wave in our kitchen," Habib said.
I agree with Phil Bak of West
Bloomfield, my favorite among the main
entrees is the garlic chicken kebab sand-
wich. Its white meat chicken is mari-
nated in light garlic and Middle Eastern
herbs with a hint of red pepper. The piec-
es are moist and nicely complemented
by house-made garlic sauce. All kebabs
come wrapped in the special bread, fresh
from the oven. More entrees are beef
or lamb kafta kebab, both marinated in
pepper, light chili and lime; lamb chops;
chicken Afghan kebab, seasoned with
cumin; and Nihari, a slow-cooked, spicy
beef stew served on weekends only.
The tomato pie was a delight with slic-
es of tomato and melted Mozzarella (or
sometimes another cheese, said Habib)
in the signature baked bread dough. At
the same meal, I had Himalayan
Goji Berry Salad. Romaine lettuce
was topped with radishes, cucumbers,
tomato and crunchy little red Goji ber-
ries. They're from a shrub native to the
mountainous Tibet region in China and
Mongolia. Loya makes an addictive,
sweet and tangy Goji berry sauce that's
great on the salad or for dipping bites of
tomato pie and other food.
Featured appetizers include hummus,
garlic with bread, vegetable soup and
another rotating soup. The two gluten-
free, vegan offerings are Lentil Flakes,
a grilled and crushed lentil tortilla, and
Vegan Pattie, consisting of crushed lentil
flour infused with potato, herbs and
spices.
Fresh-squeezed juices and other bev-
erages are a big part of the menu. I will
definitely order the mango
drink again — so tasty with its
fresh mango pulp. Sharabore
has fruit, sparkling water, spice
and raw honey. Health drinks
include the Protein Shake,
Multi-Vitamin Energizer and
yogurt-based Probiotic Vanilla.
I look forward to trying one
of the intriguing desserts next
time. Two of them are Kulfi, a
cream-and-saffron-infused cold
treat, and Pakistani Falooda,
made with ice cream, milk and
Pakistani-style jelly and custard.
Habib, a local resident born in
Columbus, Ohio, and his brother
Mustafa Habib, who comes to work from
his home in Canada, are of Pakistani
ancestry. Displayed artifacts reflect their
heritage in the small room with fireplace.
Amish farmers made some of the eclectic
wooden furniture in the casual space.
A back area is designated for dining at
tables on the floor, and there is also an al
fresco option.
Open at 11:30 a.m. daily, Loya has cus-
tomers order from a chalkboard at the
walk-up granite counter.
"I love to explain everything on the
menu," said the friendly Moiz Habib.
"With a sit-down dining place, that con-
nection would be lost"
❑
Loya Organic Kebab Cafe
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4284 Orchard Lake Road
West Bloomfield, MI 48323
(248) 681-9640
http://www.loyaorganic.com
$$ out of $$$$$