Market Place — Kingston’s finest dining mecca — has added a fantastic new eatery to its mix of continental dining options. Sham’s Bakery, a Mediterranean take-out, opened its doors less than two months ago and has quickly developed a loyal following among in-the-know foodies. Situated to the back of a sometimes frenetic courtyard, Sham’s is operated by Nael Razouk, former head chef at Habibi Latino, which once occupied restaurant space at the Market Place. When Habibi shuttered and relocated elsewhere last year, Razouk seized the opportunity to open a business of his own, albeit on a smaller-scale.

The Syrian-born chef, who has lived in Jamaica for the past five years, demonstrated an effortless efficiency in the kitchen when Thursday Food popped in on him earlier this week. We watched as Razouk juggled making hummus, a tabbuleh salad and a falafel sandwich, with rapt attention and a seeming exactness. He’s as deft at dicing vegetables as he is proficient at whipping up authentic and tasty Lebanese meals. One bite into his shawarma wrap – filled with baked eggplant pureed with tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil – has our tastebuds excited.

The menu at Sham’s predominantly features appetisers, some eleven in all, but there are also wraps and salads to be had. Razouk notes that while Mediterranean cuisine is not mainstream in the local diet, it actually makes a worthwhile dining option. “It’s different, but healthy, tasty food because of the ingredients and spices used,” the chef explained, the heavy lilt of his Eastern accent peppering our conversation. He revealed that sesame cream – a unique Lebanese culinary concoction – gives a number of the meals he prepares a distinctive flavour.

Razouk, who listed his favourite local meals as brown-stewed chicken and steamed fish, said he’s optimistic about the possibilities for his eatery in the diversified Market Place. As are we.

Sham’s Bakery is located at Unit 22 at Market Place, 67 Constant Spring Road. The eatery is open Mondays to Saturdays from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Call 410-3317 or email: naeel_r@hotmail.com