Mashawee Grill, modeled on takeout restaurants in Turkey, officially opened on Franklin Street Saturday. I’ve got menus.

Some people buy red sports cars when they hit a midlife crisis. The owner of Mashawee Grill started a takeout restaurant instead.

Abdou and Aysha Ibrahim are part of the Ibrahim family that owns longtime business Eastside Meats on US 20 in LaPorte.

Ibrahim says he fell in love with kabob shops while on a honeymoon in Turkey with his wife some 12 years ago, and has had thoughts of opening a kabob restaurant in the area ever since.

The couple, who run the business together, are obviously hoping to get a lot of business from passengers on the new 11th Street South Shore train station, as well as the 12-story, 220-unit luxury apartment tower a few doors away that is nearing completion.

On the menu are all manner of kabobs—lamb, beef, chicken, steak, sharwama (thin slices of marinated meat)—served in a bowl with rice, as an entree with rice, or as a sandwich on fresh-baked pita. All are served with yummy accompaniments such as pickled cabbage, tahini, pickles and sumac onions.

Everything is prepared fresh to order and prices are reasonable–$11 to $16 for kebabs with rice; $9 to $16 for sandwiches. A daily special is even more of a deal. Take out and catering only; no dine-in.

Mashawee, by the way, is an Arabic word for grilled or barbecued meats and vegetables.

Ibrahim admits that buying the sports car might have been the easier, cheaper option, but we’re glad to have another food option in Michigan City.

Mashawee Grill, 910 Franklin St., 219-210-3065. Open every day except Tuesdays from 11-7 pm CT; 11-6 pm on Sundays.