keba spitfire grill (athens, ga)

It can get pretty challenging trying to find ethnic food that's not slutty Chinese, bad Tex-Mex or $1 maki rolls in Athens. So when that inevitable craving for juicy, slow-roasted meat descends down to your stomach, you head over to Keba Spitfire Grill on the East side.

Keba's (that's pronounced KAY-BAH and they really want you to pronounce it right) been dishing out German style doner kebabs to locals since last year and this may be one of the only places in Athens you'll find meat that's cooked on a rotating spit.

Ordering, although it may look complicated at first, is simple business. You start off with an European bread or wrap, pick a protein and choose from one of their 9 sauces to accompany your kebab. If you make it a combo, you get to choose an additional sauce to accompany the Belgian fries (which are just fries by the way) and a drink for about $2 more. There are 7 different varieties of sandwich/wraps that are offered on a daily basis and a special appearance by pork on Mondays and Wednesdays. I was slightly disappointed by the absence of lamb as a protein choice and because I went on a Tuesday, I opted for the beef with Keba sauce and feta sauce for my fries.

Maybe I'm just weird but I love watching meat cook. After filling up my cup with a drink (yes Chloe, it was diet Coke) I stood there watching the meat being shaved off while waiting for my food. In true fast food fashion, my order was finished in minutes and I took a seat in one of their booths although the bar stools might be better for one if you're not trying to take pictures with a DSLR.

The kebab, although generously filled with meat, veggies and sauce, was a letdown. I wanted to enjoy it but the tough and dry beef made the kebab less than prolific. The Keba sauce could've been more vibrant and tangy also as it tasted like watered down yogurt/sour cream. Not all is lost though as the real winner at Keba is their delicious Belgian fries - thick, crispy and seasoned just right with the perfect touch of salt. I'd come back just to get their french fries when I'm around the neighborhood. As for the feta sauce, it just didn't do it for me so I'll probably get the roasted red pepper next time around.

I'll have to come back on a Monday or Wednesday to try their popular pork and get more of their tasty french fries. Will update when I do.

Tips:

• Pork is only available on Mondays and Wednesdays
• Gets pretty busy around lunch time so pray there's decisive people ahead of you in line or it could take awhile
• Fountain drinks so drink away!
• Not familiar with doners? Watch Giles Coren as he goes behind the scenes to see how the meat is actually formed.