Restaurant Review: Gourmet Exprezz in Vacaville, California

There is something truly magical about Mediterranean-style food. I've been fortunate enough to visit Mediterranean countries and dine on the finest of meals, but it has been hard to satisfy that part of my palate in the United States. But now that I've found Gourmet Exprezz in Vacaville, California, my memories can now become new realities.

Gourmet Exprezz is located on Alamo Road near the I-80 exit, so it is a cinch to reach. It's only been open less than a year but judging from the catering orders and constant buzz, Gourmet Exprezz is sure to stick around for awhile. The newness of the restaurant is easily reflected by the cleanliness and fresh paint scheme of burnt sienna and dark wood, very reminiscent of cafes I had seen in Turkey. You order from the counter by using their extremely detailed and colorful menus. I appreciate a restaurant that offers pictures that display their foods, especially restaurants with international cuisine. Gourmet Exprezz doesn't spare the culture, either. The background music was clearly the "soul" music of the Mediterranean and not that techno-laced crud that some international restaurants like to play.

Despite my temptation to order their "world famous" potato cakes and giant-sized chicken kabobs, I had already come into Gourmet Exprezz with an agenda: I wanted a Doner Kabob. If you've never had a Doner Kabob you haven't experienced the best lunch item the Mediterranean has to offer. I liken it to the Greek Gyro, except better. Doner Kabobs come on pita bread and are usually made of beef, chicken or lamb. The meat is shaved and comes with a spicy yogurt-based sauce along with chopped up cucumbers and tomatoes. Trust me, this is THE best sandwich in the world and I wanted to test Gourmet Exprezz to see what they had to offer with their Doners.

I ordered a lamb Doner for me and a Beef one to take home to my wife- I had her hooked on these at a restaurant in the east coast and couldn't possibly bring one home for me without getting one for her. Within minutes I was watching the cook sauté the sliced up meats and heat up a nice, thick pita to put it in. When I saw the cucumber and tomatoes get spooned on along with the spicy yogurt sauce, I literally began to salivate. I couldn't wait to take a bite. The ride home from Gourmet Exprezz seemed twice as long as the trip there. Doner Kabobs are not a car food.

When I got home, it was a matter of seconds before I was into my first bite. I instantly closed my eyes and was magically transported back to the streets of Turkey. Every bite was ripe with yogurt spice and tender lamb. The cucumber-tomato layers wove perfectly with the firm pita, filling my mouth with multiple textures of satisfying taste. The Doner Kabob was roughly the size of my forearm but I managed to finish it in a matter of minutes. Gourmet Exprezz knew exactly what they were doing.

All in all, I promise that I'll try the world famous potato cakes at Gourmet Exprezz. But I'm not sure if it will be one I order myself because I am officially hooked on their Doner Kabobs. Maybe I'll order one from my wife or my kids. As for myself, I'll be back for more Doners.