Zorba’s Mediterranean Cuisine, located at 6401 N May, is the perfect place to take a date, the whole family or hang loose with your friends on a Friday or Saturday night after a long week of classes.

It’s my favorite restaurant for many reasons and I’ve kept returning over the years. It’s the type of place where the servers know you personally.

One time the owner even sent some tomato arti- choke soup to my home to help me feel better when I was sick. Yes, it’s that type of place.

Weekends are electrifying with entertainment beginning at 8:30 p.m. On Friday nights, Flamenco dancers swirl across the floor and on Saturdays, belly dancers gyrate to the pulsating rhythm of Mediterranean music.

The restaurant is staffed with trained chefs, not short-order cooks like the chain restaurants around the Metro area. The restaurant and kitchen areas are kept clean.

Because I’m a vegetarian, it’s difficult to find a restaurant that serves a wide selection of interest- ing choices. Eating salads or side dishes can quickly become boring. Zorba’s has that covered.

When I’m not in the mood for one of the unusual and delicious soups, I choose the vegetable shish kabob or the vegetarian platter. Chicken and beef shish kabobs are also available and I’ve been told by others that the fire-grilled meat is perfectly seasoned and moist.

Greek Moussaka is fast becoming one of the more popular of the menu items. It’s a layered eggplant with sliced potatoes, ground beef and spices.

All of the normal Mediterranean favorites are available, including hummus, falafel, baba ganouj or spanako- pita. More daring diners won’t be disappointed with the pomegran- ate salmon, osso buco (lamb) or calamari (squid).

Want something simple? Choose from the flortini, Greek, portabella or margarita pizzas.

It’s easy to understand why Zorba’s was voted the number-one restaurant in Oklahoma City.

Call ahead for reservations on busy nights or to find out about upcoming events such as the four-star wine tasting or New Year’s Eve parties.

Rating: A