Mediterranean on Broadway takes Midwest diners to the Middle East

The Mediterranean is available on Broadway.

After a short absence to move his operations from Lewis and Clark Cafe on Main Street, Sam Alsmadi has again opened for business as Mediterranean on Broadway.

Alsmadi said he moved to have a bigger dining room and kitchen and changed the name because Mediterranean better encompasses the soon-to-be expanded menu. He plans on installing a full-size commercial stove unit and hire pasta chefs to add new items.

Alsmadi is originally from Syria. He has held a variety of jobs — commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, banquet room manager for places like the St. Louis Club, the Adam's Mark and the Crown Plaza. He and his wife, Rowa, decided to use their restaurant expertise to open their own business.

They chose Cape Girardeau after some of their friends said it was a nice community. He opened Lewis and Clark in 2006; Mediterranean on Broadway opened earlier this month.

"Americans are a little intrigued by the food," Alsmadi said.

A lot of people may not even be able to pronounce most of the dishes on Mediterranean's menu, but Alsmadi said he likes introducing the people of Cape Girardeau to authentic Middle Eastern fare.

The restaurant also offers a healthy alternative meal. All sandwiches and hot oven dishes are served with the choice of soup or salad. Everything is fresh, from the homemade chicken and tuna salads to the organically made yogurt.

"My customers are usually very health conscious people who are well-educated and open-minded," Alsmadi said.

Dr. Bob McCool and local artist Bob Grable said they eat at the new restaurant two to three times a month.

"The food is fresh. The atmosphere is personal. The ambience is always nice," McCool said.

"Sam's personal touches always add something unique," Grable said.

Mediterranean On Broadway

411 Broadway

651-3783