Collegiate Times

Returning students may notice “Pita Vera,” a new name on Main Street’s row of restaurants taking the place of “More Than Coffee,” but they should fear not, as the local favorite has changed its name but will ultimately remain similar to its previous incarnation.

Touting authentic Lebanese cuisine, More Than Coffee was a popular restaurant among Virginia Tech students, and that will likely hold true for its revamped counterpart.

After the restaurant changed hands in May 2010, new owners decided to change the name to Pita Vera. Patrons often mistook the name “More Than Coffee” to indicate a coffee shop much like its neighbor, Bollo’s. However, the location has  always housed a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, and now the name will fit what it has to offer.

There will be some changes, however, to the familiar restaurant. While the menu will be almost the same, there will be a few new additions. Pita Vera offers a wider selection of vegetarian dishes, such as grape leaves, tabouli and new salads to the already sizeable list of veggie-lover options on the current menu. The new menu is still being finalized and will be introduced in mid-to-late October.

While there was confusion about what beverages Pita Vera lists on its menu, it will have a variety of teas, a few beers on tap and a larger list for bottled beer, with a new addition: wine. The same delicious baklava and other desserts will continue to be offered.

Although Pita Vera is vegetarian-friendly, it also provides a range of non-vegetarian options.

The kabob platters are served with a half a pound of meat, such as chicken or beef, alongside freshly-baked pita bread, vegetables and hummus. The kabob platters are some of the pricier items on the menu, but considering the portion size and the quality of the food, it is well worth it.

Also on the menu are pizzas ranging from small for a single customer to large for a group. Prices range from around $6 for the small to about $9 for the large. The basic pizza comes with mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce, along with a huge list of toppings that can be added for an additional cost.

The sandwiches are served wrapped in fresh pita bread with a range of seasoning. The shish tawook, for example, comes stuffed with grilled chicken pieces, french fries, lettuce, tomato and garlic spread snugly wrapped in a warm pita. The sandwiches come with either a house salad or chips, which can be substituted for $1.75, and it’s well worth it.

Students may breathe a sigh of relief that their favorite entrees will still be there, but should be informed the interior is going to be quite different. The owners are planning on updating the slightly worn interior with hardwood floors, new paint, tables and chairs. Thankfully all this work will be done after hours, and the restaurant will be open for business as normal during the renovations.

A version of this article appeared in the Sep 1 issue of the Collegiate Times.