The Med: A Culinary Journey through the Mediterranean

The Med

420 E. 3300 South, SLC
Thur.–Tue. 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Closed Wednesdays
801.493.0100  •  medslc.com

It is exciting that even in a smaller city like Salt Lake, there is good food to be found from a vast array of cultures and culinary traditions. I love exploring the city and finding new, great places full of exciting food made by passionate people. At The Med on 3300 South I found a compelling glimpse at mediterranean cuisine that brought both a great tang and a lovely sense of balance.

I always love an easy online ordering situation—maybe it’s just the millennial in me being hesitant to pick up the phone. That being said, the online ordering at The Med was easy to use and had a straightforward design that I appreciate. When I arrived to pick up my food, I found the service to be quick and friendly. Walking inside the front door, I was greeted kindly by both an employee and the inviting aromas of freshly made food. My order was ready and waiting for pickup, making for minimal contact and a quick exit, so I could get to what I came for—a really great meal.

“Even in a smaller city like Salt Lake, there is good food to be found from a vast array of cultures and culinary traditions.”

A sampler plate, for me, is often a way to escape decisiveness. But as I write food reviews, it can be a great tool that allows me to taste various menu options without having to buy so much food that I will never finish it before it goes bad. The Appetizer Sampler ($12.59) fit the bill by providing a variety of salty, tangy and sweet options to test out on my palate.

The sampler started with crunchy warm falafel that could be dunked in the mast-o moosir, a creamy, scallion-yogurt sauce, or just eaten in a single savory bite. The feta was salty and sweet and creamy that ended with a dryness that seems typical of goat and sheep cheeses. The sour notes came from supple pickled turnips and briny olives. A surprising bite came from the dolmas, a grape leaf wrapped around rice and herbs. Finally, there was soft, sweet pita that could be eaten with the slightly smoky hummus or the creamy, bitter and tart baba ghanouj. the I loved how this combo plate offered a variety of flavor combinations to make many perfect bites.

After trying a little bit of many different small options, it was time to dig into something a little more filling. Moussaka ($12.59) satisfied this need with its beautiful aroma and layers of soft ground beef and lamb. Vegetables added both texture and flavor as onions, eggplant and potato joined the party. All of this was topped with a creamy, savory sauce that added warmth and body. It checked all the boxes for me as a tasty, warm and filling meal that brought the comfort of a snowy night in, even on a sunny day. The moussaka was served with a side salad that added a complementary crunch. The greens, tomato and onion were balanced well with a tangy caesar dressing and creamy bits of feta.

“If you find yourself hitting the thrift shops on 3300 South or simply cruising around that area of Salt Lake on an empty stomach, hit up The Med for a flavorful pick-me-up.”

The gyro is a Greek staple, so I couldn’t help but give it a try. I was happy to see that they offered a Jr. Gyro Plate ($5.99) option, which I appreciated for a couple of reasons. First, it let me try something else for a very reasonable price, and second, because it was a plate rather than a composed gyro sandwich, it kept better and made for excellent leftovers.

The smell of lemony rice was the first thing that met my nose when I opened the container—it was perfect and inviting. The blend of seasoned beef and lamb was tender, with crisp edges that added both texture and a deeper meaty flavor. With the tzatziki on top came a delectable fattiness, and the bright dill flavor created an extra layer of freshness It was fun to scoop up a little rice and meat with a triangle of pita, drizzle it with a little tzatziki and pop it directly into my open mouth. The bite was balanced and tasty with just the right amount of everything.

To finish things off, I indulged in a Half Sized Greek Baklava ($3.99). Its flaky layers of filo crunched then almost melted in my mouth, giving way to layers of honey and walnuts. The spicy flavor transported me to chilly fall mornings, making gingerbread with my grandma. It was a lovely and sweet way to end an equally delicious meal.

If you find yourself hitting the thrift shops on 3300 South or simply cruising around that area of Salt Lake on an empty stomach, hit up The Med for a flavorful pick-me-up. While they don’t have an active social media presence, their website (medslc.com) can give you a little visual taste of the meal you have to look forward to.