Wendy B.
Yelp
Okay. I don't know what I was expecting but this wasn't it. Usta Kababgy is located in a little strip mall that used to have a lot of other stuff in it and is now filled with lots of top notch international cuisines. There is lots of parking and we were able to get a spot directly outside the front door. There is a patio area right outside, which will be especially nice once the weather is warm again.
We walked inside and were taken aback by the decor. It was VERY sumptuous. Pierced work chandeliers, inlaid tables, embroidered and embellished pillows and cushions, just a gorgeous place. A hostess walked us over to our table with menus and gave us a chance to settle in.
It was very quiet, despite being the first day of Ramadan. Our server came over with little cups of lentil soup and said they'd been making it all day long. She said it was extremely busy earlier in the day and they were just starting to wind down. We placed our order and waited.
The lentil soup was delicious. It was very smooth and had an almost roasted flavor. It tasted like it had been slow cooked in a crock. I've never had a lentil soup like that before. Then came the flatbread. Perfectly crispy bottom while still being chewy and flexible enough to pick up food. It came out with some sauces: a creamy garlic, a jalapeño, and a tahini. The garlic was my favorite.
We ordered a small pot of Moroccan tea, which came out in a silver service, already honey-sweetened with a delicate mint finish. This was a perfect accompaniment to our meal.
The kofta tagine was served in crockery which stayed hot throughout our meal. The chicken and tenderloin kebab were both expertly seasoned and juicy, which doesn't often happen with grilled meats. The chicken was probably my favorite part of the meal. The rice it was all served with was warm, fluffy, and fresh. It tasted lightly of cinnamon and cardamom, and almost tasted like it had been cooked in broth rather than water. The hummus is extremely smooth. If you're a fan of chunky hummus, this isn't for you. You will not find a hint of graininess. There are no chunks of chickpea. It is as smooth as pudding or yogurt and I've never had hummus like it anywhere else. It was truly a delight.
We ordered dessert to go and left.
The absolute star of the show, though, was our server Ruwaida. She anticipated our needs so expertly that she often showed up with things before we even realized we would need it. We never ran out of sauces. I never noticed that my glass needed refilling. She was exceptional, thoughtful, and efficient.
I don't get out to Round Rock very often, but it looks like I'll have to make it out more regularly because this place is fantastic.