Ok, so you're in Vegas and you've seen the Eiffel Tower of Paris, the Pyramids of Egypt, New York Skyscrapers and the streets of Rome and Venice. Impressive huh? But did you know that you could also visit the beauty, allure and exotic tastes of the Mediterranean right here in Las Vegas without obtaining a passport? You can if you make a 'MUST' stop to Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe and Hookah Lounge located at 4147 S. Maryland Parkway at Flamingo or their new location at 8380 W. Sahara between Buffalo and Durango. Just opened in February, Paymon's on the West Side is the hottest place to be! There is seating for 175 and patio dining too! The East Side location of Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe is also the home of Paymons Gourmet Mediterranean Market, the first and largest Mediterranean, Greek, Italian and Euopean market in Las Vegas. You'll find everything from specialty cheeses, breads, olives and coffee to imported china and glassware.

Very often, restaurants claim that their restaurant has it all, but in the Paymon's Mediterranean Café case, it really is right on. There are many reasons for Paymon's Mediterranean Café and Hookah Lounge success, but the main explanation comes from the humble owner, Paymon Raouf, who was just named Restaurateur of the Year 2004. "I absolutely love what I do," explains Paymon who has one of the biggest and warmest smiles you'll ever come across. "I don't have customers and workers here at the restaurant, market and lounge, I have an extended family of my beautiful wife Fariba and my lovely daughter Jasmine!

"Some of my employees have been with me since 1988 and we have little, if any, turnover because they share the pride and thrill of providing only the best dining, shopping and lounge experience. It's very satisfying to see customers enjoying the ambiance, the excitement, the food and drinks. They notice our enthusiasm, passion and attention to every detail. The employees of Paymon's Mediterranean Café, Hookah Lounge and Gourmet Market really make all the difference and are the biggest reason for our success", concludes Paymon, beaming and grinning from ear to ear.

So, shall we start our Mediterranean Café and Hookah Lounge destination and dining extravaganza? Let's start with appetizers including Falafel Balls, Flaming Saganaki Greek Cheese and my personal favorite the Stuffed Dolmas which are young tender grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and perfectly seasoned ground beef served with a delicious Tzatziki sauce. A variety of dips include Hummus, Bouranni, Lebni and Baba Ganosh which is a scrumptious mixture of baked seasoned eggplant blended with sesame seed butter, fresh garlic, olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Outstanding! Fresh salads include Greek, Fatosh and Tabuli which is loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, fresh mint, chopped parsley, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and house seasonings.

Entrees include Moussaka, Spinach Pie, Spanakopita, Gyros, Salmon and a variety of Kabobs like Chicken, Vegetable and succulent marinated Sirloin Kabob which is skewered and broiled to perfection on an open flame with roasted tomatoes and peppers and then served with Basmati rice or Hummus. To die for! And save room for homemade desserts like, Baklava or Greek Rice Pudding.

So now you've experienced the award winning Greek and Mediterranean specialties in the cafe, but your adventure at Paymon's has just begun. Step on over to something a little more exotic and very intimate that everyone should experience, "The Hookah Lounge!" This is the place to see and be seen and one of the hippest social spots in Vegas to meet old friends or to make new ones! The Hookah's main attraction is of course the Hookah pipe that is presented to customers with individually wrapped snap-on pipes and is enthusiastically managed by the "Hookah Man", Eric.

Eric offers his guests a variety of flavored tobaccos like Jasmine, Mango, Apple, Licorice or Turkish blend. The night I went, the "Hookah Man" whipped up a special blend of tobaccos, and take my word, the Hookah experience is unlike any pipe, cigar or cigarette. The taste is soothing and relaxing. Combine this with the incredible specialty drinks like the Mojito and the intoxicating authentic Moroccan design, and you have the perfect spot for a night you'll never forget. Do yourself a favor visit Paymon's Mediterranean Café, Hookah Lounge and Gourmet Market today!

Call 731-6030 or log on to their incredible website at www.paymons.com This is your passport to the Mediterranean!