New Egyptian restaurant opens in Mount Prospect

A Rolling Meadows couple originally from Egypt has opened a new restaurant in Mount Prospect that features dishes from their native land.

For years, Joseph and Mariam Abd Elnour have longed to share their culture's music and Mediterranean dishes with friends, family and the community, leading them to open Mina Restaurant in Mount Prospect. Their slogan is "Good Food, Good Mood."

"I've been married for 17 years and I know my wife's recipes would be appreciated by anyone who ate at our restaurant," said Joseph Abd Elnour. "We worked hard hiring the right chef to create the dishes we love."

Joseph Abd Elnour is a professional musician who has traveled all over the world. He's also toured with many famous Egyptian musicians including Hani Shaker, a world-renown singer, actor and composer.

Mina's is a family owned business, with sons Andrew and Marko helping out. With Joseph's connections to the music world, they are looking forward to featuring live entertainment on the weekends. Mina's serves authentic Mediterranean choices such like Tabbouleh, Hummus, Dolma, Falafel and Baba Ghanouj. Lunch and dinners specials include shish kebabs of beef, chicken or lamb, kifta and chicken and beef shawerma plus vegetable platters. All meats are kosher and halal.

"We picked our location at Golf and Busse roads in Mount Prospect for two reasons: first we are unique - there are no Mediterranean restaurants in the area that offer our selections, " said Mariam Elnour. "Second, we liked this spot for the diversity of good restaurants from French favorite, Retro Bistro, to new seafood start up, Islas de Maria, as well as Fellini's and Artemis Restaurants."

Mina's is named for St. Mina, Egypt's patron saint. Saint Mina was a martyr and who lived in 285 B.C.

Mina's Restaurant is at 1724 W. Golf Road and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. They offer free delivery on orders of $15 or more. (847) 364-9400 or MinaRestaurant1.com.