For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of eating at Jerusalem Restaurant, I have 4 words for you… “Combination Dinner for Two.” Those who have been there know exactly what I am talking about.

Though the Combination Dinner for Two ($36) has gotten noticeably more expensive over the past year, it’s still enough to feed three people… making it a must-try for anyone in the area.

You start by ordering your choice of any three skewers. Chicken, Lamb and Beef are all charcoal-grilled and are the house-favorites for obvious reasons. For the more adventurous, try the Grilled Liver (which is sauteed in Garlic and Hot Pepper Sauce) or the Kafta (a kebab of Ontario Minced Lamb and Lean Ground Beef mixed with Onions, Parsley and Garlic).

After choosing your skewers, the meal arrives in 3 stages… First, homemade Pitas, Hummos, Baba Ghanouje, Falafel Balls and Tabbouleh are brought out. Then comes a large plate of Fried Eggplant drizzled in Garlic Oil. It’s so nicely cooked that it tastes like butter, and is accompanied by a plate of homemade Pickles and Hot Peppers. Just when you’re starting to feel full, a heaping plate of Saffron Rice (cooked in Lemon Juice and Chicken Stock) is brought to the table with the char-broiled Skewers ordered earlier, capping off one heck of a meal. Room for dessert? If there are 2 of you, I think not. Now that is $36 well spent.

Jerusalem Restaurant has been an Eglinton West staple for more than 40 years, and they have opened another location on Leslie St. North. I have heard that their AYCE Lunch Buffet is another new addition, though it’s tough to believe that you could actually eat more than by ordering the Combination Dinner for Two. In any event, my wife and I waddle out of there every time and are never to shy to ask for a doggie bag.