I had dinner here 7-8 hours ago and I am still full. After eating maybe half of what we ordered (and yet only paying about $20 per head). So the portion sizes are HUGE!
To begin with, there's the fluffy warm pita bread that everyone has mentioned. There is also the pink pickled things, but I had been feeling carsick so I stayed away from those and munched on delicious plain soft fresh bread.
We ordered an absolute pile of food between the three of us (and yet, as I said above, it was ridiculously affordable). Let's see, there was the sausage platter, hummus and meat, labneh, fattoush, falafel platter, and mujadara. I am vegetarian, so I tried everything but the first two.
Now, as someone that loves Middle Eastern food generally, I sometimes feel it sacrilegious to admit that I don't really care for falafel, especially by itself. However, here, the falafel was actually really good. Really, really good. Crunchy outside, soft inside and so so flavorful.
The fattoush was incredible! I don't know what they put in their dressing (it's supposed to just be olive oil and lemon juice, right?) but it just pulled the flavors together so well -- I could've made a fantastic meal out of that salad alone.
I also loved my mujadara. That's a hearty comforting rice and lentil dish topped with caramelized onions (I love these things!) and I had it with laban (yogurt... but better. American yogurt just doesn't taste the same). So, so, so good. I wish I had gotten the leftovers (about 2/3rds of my dish) in a to-go box so I could have it again. And again. And again. I am an Indian vegetarian, so I know and appreciate my lentils, and these were GOOD!
The hummus was delish too. And you can never go wrong with feeding me labneh. I could live off off labneh dip and fresh pita. Don't judge; this is exactly why I am fat :p.
Stunning meal. And the service was fantastic. Prompt, courteous, friendly, with a charming goodlooker of a waiter.
I want to go back here ASAP. If only I had a car!
(Michigan, you have redeemed yourself. You might have culinary wonders yet!)
My only regret for the day is not having the appetite to get anything at Shatila, where we went afterwards. Next trip, next trip. read more