For some time now I had passed by this restaurant a number of times and today I decided to stop and go try it out. Located on Campbell Ave, in the heart of Downtown, Roanoke, it occupied one of the most ideal locations for a restaurant in this area.
It's windows were always very lively, lit up with many small lights and one red OPEN neon light sign. The interior looked very distinguished yet at the same time comfortable with hardwood floors, dark red ceilings, and black furniture. It was decorated with a combination of Lebanon posters and moments, as well as framed articles and Award Certificates of the restaurant.
When I arrived the owner greeted me very warmly and invited me to take a seat wherever I liked, and provided me with a menu. My server, Mohammed then came by and was very helpful in helping me learn about Lebanese food and picking out the items from the menu to pick out. I ordered a Gold Peak Sweet Tea to drink, Falafel as appetizer, and a Beef Kabab Platter as the main entrée.
The Falafel was the best that I have ever had, crispy on the outside and soft, moist, and very tasty in the inside; and with an extraordinary presentation on a plate. The Beef Kabab was very well maintained and served with grilled onions and tomatoes, accompanied with white rice and two tiny dishes with sauces, however I was very disappointed because the chunks of Beef were not at all tender, and thus very tough and dry inside. I knew that if they had been cooked medium rare, like I always like my meats, it would have been different, and because everything else about the food, ambiance, and service of the restaurant I enjoyed so much I decided to give it a 4 Star review with the hope that when the owner and chef read my review, they would pay attention to this very important detail, and next time I visit or anyone else, they place special attention to this, since when beef is overcooked, no matter how soft and tender it is, it becomes extremely tough and dry, and very uncomfortable to chew and eat, or even enjoy.
For dessert I ordered the traditional Baklava and it was delicious. In conclusion, if it were not have been for the above-mentioned problem, this restaurant would have received a 5 Star review. But since I was very impressed with the menu, the ambiance, the awards received, the other food I ate, and most of all by the amazingly wonderful way I was treated and customer service received, I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt, give it a 4 and return once again. I urge everyone reading this review to do the same with the hope that one little but important detail don't hinder an otherwise extraordinary dining experience. read more