Lunch Counter

We had almost forgotten, and woe to those who have, what a fine friend we've got in Papa Zuzu's.

Hey, it could have been easy (alas, unpardonable) to forget. What, with all the comings and goings this year, with Papa Zuzu's ditching its King Street outpost and Papa Grill setting up shop in its place. And, yeah, yeah, we know, ... the two are unaffiliated, but the similarities are downright eerie, and pretty dang tasty.

But for a refreshing, original take, best board the Ravenel Bridge and head over Coleman Boulevard way to Mount Pleasant.

A bounty (and larger seating area) awaits: gyros, stuffed pita pockets, grilled pizza and Greek salads, plus outdoor service, wine and beer. Newcastle on tap, anyone?

The Mediterranean plate ($9.95) is a beast — a delectable, loaded beast — brimming with housemade baba ghanouj, hummus, tzatziki, cucumbers, sweet pepperoncini peppers, feta cheese, kalamata olives, tomatoes and sprouts.

Another option for vegetarians: The grilled Portobello and wilted spinach platter ($9.95). It's a Portobello cap, feta cheese on the inside, spinach and grilled onions on top.

The restaurant's namesake dish, Zuzu's gyro ($8.75), is decidedly nonvegetarian, but built to please, with a blend of slow-roasted beef and lamb wrapped in a pita, topped with a cool, clean tzatziki sauce.

The big beef and big chicken pitas are another pair of winners, same for the pizza.

Address: 426 W. Coleman Ave. Mount Pleasant.

Phone: 881-9848.

- Rob Young