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SETTING
Lime & black. The colors of the moment! Remember the combination, because
if the owners of Joy Express Grill, Shlomi, Dudu, and Amiram have their
way, and we hope they do, these colors will be the icon of their chain
of fastfood restaurants and will be etched in our minds like red-yellow
and red-black chains.
Joy Express Grill is the little brother/sister to main restaurant on
Emek Refaim. Like its older and bigger sibling, the restaurant serves
up quality food in an upbeat atmosphere. The color scheme was carefully
chosen to be contemporary and functional. You walk in and feel like
you are in a RR tunnel or station (lime ceramic tiles) fast food joint.
But this "ain't a joint." Owners strive to set new standards for quality
fast food. Of course, you can eat in if you like and slowly, though
be forewarned that all the seating is on high stools at counters and
may not suit everyone (like maybe your 98 year old aunt). Others will
find the seating fun, cool and informal. Best of all, its ok to eat
alone at a counter without feeling lonely..There is a lower counter
as well, with a few seats, to be on the safe side and always the daily
newspaper, like your favorite cafe to pass the time while waiting for
your order.
During the day, Joy functions as a great eating-out for city workers
and passerbys. At night the lights are dimed, music changes the mood,
beer on tap comes out and Joy transforms into a night spot for a quick
nosh or drink, or sit back and watch the giant plasma screen in the
back. You can always check out the immaculate, esthetic bathrooms, no
small matter in downtown Jerusalem.
FOOD
This may be fast food, but this menu is a cut above your average fast
food in quality and presentation.  There
are sandwiches (26-35 shekels), hamburgers (24-28 shekels), wraps (26-36),
salads (32-34), noodles and an extensive salad bar. Also on the menu
are steaks, Cajun chicken and wings in special sauces. But the house
specialties, not to missed, are amazing onion rings in a tempura batter
and the sweet potato chips in a maple syrup to die for, for those with
a sweet tooth.
What we like in particular, were the "pinukim" or "treats"
that are added to each order. They will vary from day to day, but there
will always be some of the best olives we've tasted and anti-paste,
arranged beautifully on a platter. There may also be some other homemade
pickles and condiments, and the cheerful staff will treat and pamper
you with more.
Desserts like chocolate mousse and a coconut mousse round out the meal.
Business meals, including cold drinks are about 36 shekels. A full meal,
with dessert and some snacks could run you about 50-60 shekels
SERVICE
We are all familiar with the self-service system where you give your
name and have the order served to you or have your name called out.
(I still don't understand how they get the right orders to the right
table, but it works). Besides being efficient, it gives you an opportunity
to try out new identities! I give a different name each time!
Joy Express has put a lot of thought into the service. There seem to
be more workers than seating. We also applaud them for employing so
many good-looking Israeli teenagers and ex-soldiers! This is a no-tipping
place, but that doesn't mean you will be ignored. On the contrary-everyone
is very attentive. I have ordered deliveries quite a few times and I
always get a follow-up call to ask if everything was ok.
BOTTOM LINE
Joy Express Grill has quickly become a hit downtown. Deliveries over
50 shekels make them accessible all over the city. It is worth going
there just to see the renaissance of this corner of Jaffa Road. As mentioned,
the owners plan to go nationwide, as many other Jerusalem restaurants
have, successfully. Its always exciting to patronize these places and
be able to say, "I remember when there was only one branch………".
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