Amna Al-Qaisi walked into the kitchen on a recent Wednesday morning to the sound of cheers and laughs as she greeted the staff. You can’t help but smile as you hear their joyful conversations and try to catch a glimpse into the kitchen so you can also be part of their inside joke.
This is the same staff that has followed Al-Qaisi from restaurant to restaurant, lovingly referring to her as Mama Amna, thanks to her caring personality.
Amna Al Qaisi, owner of Casa Pita.
From early mornings to late nights, Al-Qaisi and her employees are in it together. At Casa Pita, they are not just coworkers; they are a family.
Casa Pita by Mama Amna is Al-Qaisi’s newest venture, bringing that family along.
“I do not see my family" in Australia, Sweden, Iraq and Turkey, Al-Qaisi said. “I'm seeing my employees every day. They are my family, they are my kids and I really love them a lot.”
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Al-Qaisi is originally from Iraq, where she worked, attended school and became a chef, learning from her mother and grandmother.
“Iraqi women always love to cook,” Al-Qaisi said. “We have to be a very good chef and cook for the family because we do not go out to restaurants a lot.”
Since she also lived in eight different countries in the Middle East over the years, Al-Qaisi picked up all kinds of culinary tips and tricks along the way, learning the various ways they make and season meals.
When Al-Qaisi was studying in the United States, one of her twin sons was a victim of an attempted kidnapping back in Iraq. As soon as she heard the news from her husband, they made the decision to move to Syria.
Since Al-Qaisi had worked with the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, they were aware of the dangers her family faced and decided to send them to the United States, more specifically, Tucson.
“When I came and saw Tucson, this very small city, I started to cry,” Al-Qaisi said. “I never lived in a small city before.”
Casa Pita grill mix includes an assortment of grilled meats, rice, salad, hummus and fresh pita bread for $25, at 5526 E. Grant Road.
Soon, the quirky charm and friendly faces of Tucson began to win Al-Qaisi over. When she was studying at the University of Arizona, her husband thought it would be a good idea to get into the restaurant business.
He began working at Sinbad’s, which was on University Boulevard, eventually taking over when the owner left.
The couple was bitten by the restaurant bug, owning all kinds of Middle Eastern restaurants, including Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express and Golden Falafel.
But in 2020, things took a turn.
Al-Qaisi’s husband died of COVID-19. Every inch of Geronimo’s reminded her of his memory.
Nehal Chehade, a chef at Casa Pita, grills meat during a lunchtime shift.
She made the decision to sell the business, needing a new spot to start fresh.
That new beginning was sitting on the corner of East Grant Road and North Craycroft Road.
With the former Frida’s Café building open at 5526 E. Grant Road, Al-Qaisi decided it was time to start a new chapter.
Al-Qaisi filled the spot with décor she’s collected from all her adventures. Artwork and trinkets from Syria, Dubai and Egypt bring a fun charm to the space. An Iraqi flag is hung on the wall, pairing nicely with the intricate, gold tablecloths that look luxurious.
If you think the décor is lavish, just wait until your meal is brought out.
At Casa Pita by Mama Amna, they live by one very important mantra: the eyes eat first. You’ll see eyes widen in amazement when extravagant stands of hanging gyro meat, chicken, hummus and delicately placed cucumbers and dolmades are placed on your table.
These unique stands are Casa Pita’s specialty. When Al-Qaisi saw them in Qatar, she instantly knew she needed to bring a few back to Tucson.
Casa Pita grill mix includes an assortment of grilled meats.
Al-Qaisi approached my table with a gigantic plate, complete with juicy pieces of gyro meat gracefully hanging from the stand. Surrounding it were slices of two different kabobs, chicken, a bed of rice and sides of hummus and baba ghanoush. The cucumbers and olives were sliced in a way that made them look like cute little butterflies fluttering around the fresh pita.
Everything on that plate blew me away. The seasonings on the kabobs and chicken were so flavorful. Then you dip it into their garlic sauce, aka Mustafa sauce, and, wow.
The standout for me had to be the gyro with its thick, juicy pieces.
You can taste and see the love Al-Qaisi and the rest of her staff have for Middle Eastern cuisine and culture. From the meals to the slices of strawberries and mint that float in water glasses for flair, this new chapter for Al-Qaisi is one to experience.
Jamie Donnelly is the food writer for #ThisIsTucson. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com
Jamie Donnelly
Reporter
