Eclectic Cafe Combines Cultures not Couples

Overview: Let me make a small confession: I was told to try Mingle’s Café several months ago and somehow, subconsciously, I was thinking it was going to be a meeting place for singles. It’s not. The name reflects the “mingling” of cultures and cuisines that inspire its menu – Caribbean, Jamaican, Cuban, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern  and Italian dishes.

In a casual atmosphere, this friendly, family owned restaurant takes pride in offering “healthy fast foods.” Delicious variations of chicken, pork, fish - even goat - are freshly prepared each day and served with fresh vegetables. Vegetarians will really appreciate the variety of menu choices available.

And while most menu items are very spicy, Mingle’s Café is happy to accommodate less “adventurous” tastes. The menu is extensive and constantly evolving; several times during my meal, samples of new creations were brought over try. The portions are large and most entrees with two sides are under $10.

If you don’t want a big meal, choose from a wide variety of delicious snack-size creations and salads under $5.  (The newest menu additions are Cuban Empanadas, delicious fried pastries filled with beef, pork, cheese and fruit.) This family’s enthusiasm, talent and love for diverse cuisines is contagious. You leave feeling like you’ve experienced something. 

The Food: Most of the food is spicy and seasoned with different combinations of vinegar, garlic, cardamom, curry, peppers, tahini, hummus, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mingle’s signature dish is the Shawarma (or Gyro): a Middle Eastern sandwich-like wrap of shaved lamb, goat, chicken, turkey, beef or a mixture of these meats at $6.95. Other menu suggestions are:

Appetizers: Conch fritters -$2.50 each. If you like crab cakes, you will like these –they taste similar to salmon, deep-fried and served with Amba sauce (pickled mango with Chilbeh).

Entrees: Jamaican jerk chicken with rice & peas, or white rice and two other small sides. Small $7.95, Large $8.95

Platters: Shawarma Platter with two sides $10.95  Falafel veggie platter with two sides $7.95

Desserts: Layer cakes and cheesecakes from $1.50 per slice

The Drinks: Great iced tea! Wine and beer now being served.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Closed Sunday.
 
Need To Know: Online coupons are available at www.minglesinternationalcafe.com . Catering services available.

 2100 Roswell Road (In the Pavilions of East Lake) 770-977-7878