Q: negative

A: I wanted to like this place. I wanted to love this place. It was so nice and comfortable inside and the staff were the nicest people ever. These are the things that save it from being a one star experience. It almost breaks my heart to write this review. I seriously hoped that they would raise the local standard for middle eastern food. I don't understand all the great reviews because the food is awful. It's equally as bad as any of the other restaurants in the area. I don't understand why falafel in Pittsburgh has to be soggy or why this restaurant needs to persist with this tradition. The hummus and babaganoush were okay (they should be excellent at a place like this), but the tabouli was almost inedible. The rice was not spiced or fluffy. The lamb was boring and the dumpling plate is ALL teeny tiny undercooked dumplings a bland sauce and no sides. When I asked for hot sauce I got Frank's rather than harissa. The only decent dish was the lentil soup which was buttery and comforting, if a little lacking in lentil flavor. I guess the pitas were fluffy and okay, even if they were just reheated grocery store ones. I would go back just to sit in the warm coziness, but I guess my only ordering option would be lentil soup.

Q: negative

A: I've just been reminded to update my review... After my mediocre dining experience which included white rice instead of arborio risotto, I actually contacted the manager. I wasn't sure if the kitchen had run out of arborio or if this was standard practice and either way I want to make management aware that, while the wait staff were fantastic, I was very let down by my fake risotto. He never got back to me. Specifically, I emailed someone who got back to me saying "I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your food" or something along those lines, and saying they would pass my email onto the general manager. It was the general manager who never responded. I felt this was an incredibly poor way of handling a customer who was previously mildly put off but is now really unimpressed.

Q: negative

A: Very sad news... The friend I was meeting for lunch at Soma the other day, arrived first to discover the doors closed and tables stacked upon one another. We picked another place but I could not help but wonder if they were just closed that day or if it was another casualty of the economy or whatever... after some surfing, I found this report that Soma has in fact "left the Valley" :( http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/bella/2008/11/so_long_soma_cafe.php

Q: positive

A:
Such a jewel here in Phoenix. The Heard Museum has one of the best Native American presentations. It is well thought out and exhibits continue to change to wet your appetite for another visit. It is a must visit whenever you are in Phoenix. I highly recommend that you visit the Heard Museum.