mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, is being written by Cathy today. Kirk and His Missus are on a little vacation.
We were sad when Speedy Falafel closed in the midst of the pandemic. There had been a few signs on the building indicating a new restaurant was soon to be opened in early 2021, but that never happened. In September, Gate of Damascus opened. We stopped by in early January.
It was pretty busy with people at the entrance waiting for their "To Go" orders. 
The interior looks about the same and you can have a seat at one of the many tables and a menu will be brought out. (Hot tea is self serve along the back wall). Breakfast is served until at least noon. 
Foul with olive oil ($9.99) is always a favorite. Warm mashed fava beans cupping a wonderful amount of chickpeas, tomatoes and olive oil was certainly a filling savory breakfast. (There is also a tahini Foul served with yogurt, which will be ordered next time). 
We ordered a Manikesh (cheese pie) ($3.99) because we saw it on other tables. Fresh, tasty, a bit salty (in a good way). Perfect crunch. 
Two fresh made pitas were also brought out. Because we ordered this:
The small appetizer plate ($11.99) Tabboule, Baba Ghannouj, Hummus and Motabbal (another eggplant based appetizer). ( Motabbal is made with eggplant, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and tahini (ground sesame sauce). Baba Ghanouj is made with eggplant, onion, tomato, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, and no tahini!). We took home plenty of leftovers. This is also a meal. {Other appetizers to choose from include Mohammarah (red pepper hummus), Yalanjee (stuffed grape leaves), fried or grille Kebbeh (ground meat, onions, spices and bulgur wheat), Arabic salad, Fattoush, Tzazaiki and coleslaw}. Very refreshing, fresh, bright flavors. 
Also we decided to try a single skewer of beef kabob ($2.50) which is also a great choice and filled with subtle spices mixed in the ground beef.
We will be back to try more of the menu, because everything is great!
Gate of Damascus 1142 East Main Street El Cajon, CA 92021 (619) 312-0427 Open Monday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Tues-Sun 8a.m.-midnight
Speedy Falafel had a choice of desserts sold by the pound in this display case. Now there are choices of boxed desserts.
that all looks delicious and fresh.
another great selection of foods
Very fresh, Amanda. Perfect levels of spice. All around quality.
An amazing selection, Kat. We are looking forward to trying out the rest of the menu.
I’m headed here next time I am in the area!!
The small appetizer plate picture is deceptive… it is huge. It is enough for two days of leftovers.
Very nice place there Cathy! The portions look so hearty and filling. The small appetizer plate can be several days worth of meals!
Definitely try it, Dereck. Many choices for a meal or snack…or leftovers.
I can’t imagine what the large appetizer plate is like, ME!
It is (and was) great- (we enjoyed trying the three different falafels at Speedy), cc. Definitely going to stop again when in the area. It is a very large dining space.