Mediterranean Exploration Company
Mediterranean restaurant · Pearl ·
Mediterranean & Middle Eastern fare, cocktails, industrial-chic setting
Mediterranean & Middle Eastern fare, cocktails, industrial-chic setting
"MEC, as its known, is arguably the crown jewel of the Sesame Collective restaurant group, roasting coffee-rubbed sweet potatoes and shawarma-spiced cauliflower in its 700-degree oven. Begin with an assortment of mezze, like crispy lamb-topped hummus, house-made labneh, or beef bacon-wrapped dates; from there, pick a few grilled items — chermoula-rubbed shrimp, spiced maitake mushrooms — to complement dishes from the oven. Smaller groups can enjoy food and drinks in the sleek subway-tiled bar, with bare Edison lights dripping from the ceiling." - Thom Hilton
"MEC, as its known, is arguably the crown jewel of the Sesame Collective restaurant group, roasting coffee-rubbed sweet potatoes and shawarma-spiced cauliflower in its 700-degree oven. Begin with an assortment of meze, like crispy-lamb-topped hummus, house-made labneh, or beef bacon-wrapped dates; from there, pick a few grilled items — chermoula-rubbed shrimp, hawaij-spiced carrots — to complement dishes from the oven. Smaller groups can enjoy food and drinks in the sleek subway tiled bar, with bare Edison lights dripping from the ceiling." - Maya MacEvoy, Thom Hilton
"I returned to bartending at Mediterranean Exploration Company because it provides health insurance and competitive wages in addition to tips, and that model gives me hope that more restaurants can sustain their workers with living wages and benefits." - Alex Frane
"While the lengthy menu might be overwhelming at this buzzy Pearl District restaurant, the hummus — served with puffy house-made pita — certainly shines. An order of the fried Brussels sprouts hummus, a creamy chickpea dip-turned-veggie dish, gets a little extra perk thanks to a dose of calabrian chili oil and lemon. For those who wish to stay clear of dairy, there’s also a hummus dish adorned with maitake mushrooms, garlic, paprika, and dill for added punch. It’s open for pickup and delivery via online order." - Michelle DeVona
"On the temporary car-free blocks of NW 13th, I saw Mediterranean Exploration Company take advantage of the city’s Healthy Businesses permits to create an outdoor dining plaza, extending seating into the street to attract foot traffic during a difficult period for restaurants." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden
