Brothers draw on family recipes and heritage to bring authentic Mediterranean food to West Ashley
by Hanalei Potempa | Contributing Writer
Two brothers have opened a new Mediterranean restaurant in West Ashley, drawing from their family’s culture, recipes and memories.
Gal and Tal Alhadef opened Mazal last month with the goal of bringing authentic Mediterranean street food to West Ashley.
In Hebrew “Mazal” is a word meaning “luck,” “fortune,” or “destiny.” But the brothers say it is also named after their grandmother, whom they remember for her always-open kitchen filled with warmth and bold, comforting flavors. Several of her recipes appear on the menu today, giving diners a taste of the dishes that shaped their childhood.
The brothers took over an aging restaurant space that had previously been home to the Charleston Crab Shack, and spent seven months renovating it. The finished result is a bright, welcoming spot adorned with photos of their grandmother and shelves of Middle Eastern accessories and grocery items for sale.
Gal said Mazal offers a different type of Mediterranean dining than locals may be used to.
“A lot of people think they are familiar with Mediterranean food, but each restaurant comes from a different area,” Gal explains, noting that Mazal draws mostly Israeli, Lebanese, and Syrian cuisine specifically.
He added that their approach to offering cuisine is rooted in intention and love.
“We want to make this food better, and we make it with heart,” he says. “A lot of people that come over here, they tell me they feel it, they feel it with every bite.”
That sense of care, Gal says, has already helped build a loyal customer base.
Since opening, Gal says they’ve already welcomed regular customers who stop by several times a week. Mazal currently offers dine-in and takeout, with delivery services launching soon. The restaurant also plans to open its second floor for private events with specialized catering.
“We want to give the opportunity to feel a true Mediterranean experience with sharing plates and buffets and a different menu that is going to be unique for each group, depending on what they want,” Gal says.
In the coming months, Mazal plans to expand its menu, add a kids’ menu and introduce beer, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
So far, fan favorites include the shawarma, falafel and smash kebab, dishes that embody the flavors they grew up with and the spirit of hospitality they hope to share.
Mazal is located at 1901 Ashley River Road. For more information, call (843) 425-8551 or visit www.mazaleat.com.
