A quicker, customizable version of Mediterranean cuisine is set to replace Zamaan Café Mediterranean Grill in the semicircular Colonnade shopping center. Partners Fred Ansari and Mohammad Issa are hoping to launch Hummus Express in late March or early April, depending on final approvals.
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“The trend right now is that people want to grab something fast, and they prefer it to be fresh and clean,” says Ansari, who most recently joined forces with Ali Hijazi at Zamaan Café and then bought out his interest. He says the creative energy behind the new concept comes from Issa, a former chef at Hijazi’s Zamaan Café at Plymouth Green mall and part of a large extended family with various restaurant and business interests locally.
The two Ann Arborites have replaced the staid booths and full-service model with new seating, updated lighting, live plants, and a Chipotle-style counter for customers to pick and choose among the proteins, toppings, and house-made sauces for their bowls, wraps, and pita sandwiches. Hummus varieties include traditional, roasted red pepper, and pesto.
Ansari’s culinary descriptions repeatedly emphasize freshness, whether it’s shawarma, the finely chopped tabbouleh salad, or falafel prepared with green vegetables.
Chicken and beef will be grilled twice a day, which he says is an improvement over places that “premake it for one week, let’s say, and then they heat it up. We are trying to do it as we go through it.”
Hummus Express, 865 W. Eisenhower. (734) 769–1113. Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Sat. noon–8:30 p.m. Closed Sun. thehummusexpress.com