Arabian Breeze, Portland, Oregon, Middle Eastern Restaurant Details

Food:

I love Nicholas (formerly known as Arabian Breeze). The food is fresh, healthy and delicious. It's within walking distance of home. Unfortunately, my husband doesn't much care for Middle Eastern cuisine; in fact, he loathes most of it. So the only time I get to have it is when I order take-out and my husband goes somewhere else to get something he likes. It's very sad, because I really enjoy the ambiance in the restaurant, and the staff is always so friendly. When they first opened as Arabian Breeze, they would bring you a giant sheet of paper-thin bread with zatar-seasoned oil, it was fabulous. Last time I got take-out, it was an enormous pita. I wonder if they still have that wonderful oil? My last take-out, I ordered knafeh, and I have to admit that I was disappointed. There was no rosewater syrup (or any other kind is syrup, for that matter), so it was somewhat tasteless; just shredded phyllo and white cheese. I made my own rosewater syrup, and that helped, but the best place to get knafeh is Ya Hala on 80th and Stark. But that's the only disappointment I've had at Nicholas. Just writing about it makes me want to go there NOW!

Food:

less crowded than their MLK store and better food.

Food:

I had a friend whom worked here and they let me know that first off the "vegan" items were not actually vegan! Second the place used less then cleanly methods... Well I wanted to try out being a fan of the sister restaurant Nicolas, I didn't like the atmosphere and felt rushed through my meal along with waited over a half hour for my food. They had one server for the downstairs and she seemed to be struggling, which made me a little upset with the management.
I think this could be a great place if it were ran correctly and actually had vegan items instead of just stating that they're vegan friendly...