Food

 Food & Drink

Lebanese restaurant in North Carolina named ‘go-to’ for gluten-free food

Lebanese restaurant Aladdin’s Eatery was ranked among the top four gluten-free dining options in Raleigh by WTVD-TV, an ABC station in North Carolina.

Aladdin’s Eatery is a restaurant chain that serves Lebanese-American dishes with an atmosphere that “treats our guests with Lebanese hospitality by adhering to high standards for quality service,” according to their website.

The ABC station points out the restaurant has over 40 vegetarian dishes, 30 vegan dishes, 40 gluten-free dishes and 40 antibiotic-free meat and chicken dishes to choose from.

Aladdin's Eatery was named one of the top four best dining locations for gluten-free food options in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Aladdin's Eatery)
Aladdin’s Eatery was named one of the top four best dining locations for gluten-free food options in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Aladdin’s Eatery)

The list suggests that gluten-free eaters should try “Jasmine’s Favorite,” which includes kidney beans, vegetables and gluten-free rice topped with the meat of your choice.

RELATED: Anthony Bourdain visited Beirut twice – at very different times

The restaurant chain was founded and is run by Lebanese-American Fady Chamoun, and currently has over 30 locations in the Midwest.

The establishment featured on the list is located at 4209 Lassiter Mill Road in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Comments Off on Lebanese restaurant in North Carolina named ‘go-to’ for gluten-free food 2292
 Food & Drink

Avocado bar set to open in Beirut, will be first in Lebanon

Avocado lovers will soon have a spot in Beirut to satisfy their next avo-craving!

L’AVO is planning to open in the Achrafieh district of Beirut on Charles Malek Avenue. An opening date has not yet been set.

L’AVO has already teased a few of their planned menu items on Instagram:

Avocado kale salad

Avocado bowls 

Avocado-beetroot toast

Trendy avocado bars appear to be popping up around the world — and the concepts are Instagram gold!

The bars feature an all-avocado menu with avocado toasts, salads, bowls and beverages, among others.

L'AVO has not yet announced an opening date. (Instagram/L'AVO)
L’AVO has not yet announced an opening date. (Instagram/L’AVO)

L’AVO founders said the concept started as an idea between two childhood friends.

“L’AVO gives you all the avocado satisfactions you seek by offering everything ranging from toasts and salad bowls, to smoothies and desserts,” an Instagram post said. “Something to satisfy all your taste buds whether it’s the sweet or sour ones.”

Comments Off on Avocado bar set to open in Beirut, will be first in Lebanon 3108
 Food & Drink

Lebanese café to open at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

A Lebanese café will be one of 15 new food and beverage concepts at the North Terminal at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, officials announced.

Anita’s Kitchen, a popular Lebanese restaurant in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale, is expected to open its airport concession by the spring of 2019.

In a news release, the Wayne County Airport Authority Board announced it awarded 10-year contracts to four concessionaires — one of which will operate the Lebanese café.

According to its website, Anita’s Kitchen serves a smorgasbord of hot and cold mezza, salads and signature pita sandwiches such as shawarma, kafta and kabobs.

Anita's Kitchen is located in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale, Michigan. (Facebook/Anita's Kitchen)
Anita’s Kitchen is located in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale, Michigan. (Facebook/Anita’s Kitchen)

“The concessionaires were selected after a rigorous evaluation process,” said Chad Newton, interim CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority. “We’re confident they will deliver a world-class dining experience for our customers.”

Other food options in the North Terminal are expected to include Air Margaritaville, Brioche Dorée, Cantoro Italian Market Trattoria, among others. Many of the concepts are based in Detroit.

The airport said multiple other concessions will be included in the project. (Photos provided/Detroit Metropolitan Airport)
The airport said multiple other concessions will be included in the project. (Photos provided/Detroit Metropolitan Airport)

“Most of the North Terminal’s passengers are local residents or visitors to our area; they’re not connecting in Detroit to fly to other cities,” said Greg Hatcher, concessions director for the Airport Authority. “When they’re in our terminal, we believe passengers will enjoy seeing local brands they love and those that pique their interest.”

The Detroit Metropolitan Airport welcomed nearly 35 million passengers in 2017 with services from 14 scheduled passenger airlines and 1,100 flights per day, according to a news release.

Comments Off on Lebanese café to open at Detroit Metropolitan Airport 2540
 Food & Drink

The Guardian writer: Lebanese manoushe ‘stole my heart’

In a review of a new Lebanese bakery in London, Guardian writer Tim Jonze praised the manoushe breakfast item and called it, “the Lebanese breakfast pizza that stole my heart.”

Jonze got to try za’atar, lahmeh bi ajin (beef and lamb), and a unique manoushe that was topped with eggs.

He said they were all tasty, but the cheese manoushe stole his heart!

RELATED: Lebanese restaurant named one of ‘Best New Restaurants in America’ by Eater

Jonze said the tasteful dish feels like eating pizza for breakfast. The owners described manoushe as “Perfect at 4 a.m. when the post-party hunger cravings kick in.”

The zataar and cheese manousheh is a staple of Lebanese breakfast. (File photo)
The zataar and cheese manousheh is a staple of Lebanese breakfast. (File photo)

Manoushe is a Levatine-based breakfast meal that has been around for a thousand years. Fortune Magazine reported that Lebanese street food like manoushe is now gaining traction in the U.S.

Most menu items at The Lebanese Bakery are only around $7. The bakery is also offering delivery options in the greater London area.

Read more about the Guardian’s review of the new Lebanese bakery, here.

Comments Off on The Guardian writer: Lebanese manoushe ‘stole my heart’ 2926
 Business

Subscription box company launches products for Lebanon lovers

A subscription box company created to promote Lebanese culture has launched new boxes perfect for any lover of Lebanon.

The ‘Koullouna‘ concept aims to connect Lebanese expats with local products that celebrate Lebanese culture, tastes, smells and sounds.

According to its website, Koullouna sends surprise themed boxes to a subscriber’s doorstep every month.

The boxes can include:

day3a box 1

The Day3a box

  • Dark chocolate by Eshmoon
  • Strawberry and rose petal jam by Mymoune
  • Sumac by Adonis Valley
  • Amareddine by Al-Rifai
  • Wild thyme by Shams Permaculture
  • A pillowcase by Art7ake
  • A postcard designed by Hoda Adra

jam3a box 1

The Jam3a box

  • A bottle of Almaza
  • Two coasters by Images d’Orient
  • A bag of nuts from Castania
  • A bowl for your nuts by Verdi
  • Zaatar crackers and other nibbles by Rural Delights Cooperative
  • A tote bag by Inoui

sobhiyeh box 1

The Sobhiyeh box

  • 3 healthy bars from Freekeh Bites
  • A Labneh bag from IRAP
  • 2 coffee cups made with recycled glass by GGRIL
  • A pack of Zaatar by The Good Thymes
  • A jar of honey by Miel Du Levant
  • A pack of Coffee by Cafe Najjar
  • A postcard by Mimo Quirks

kankaneh box 1

The Kankaneh box

  • A pair of socks by Sikasok
  • The book “L’Etoile Phoenicienne” by Tania Bonja Honein
  • A bookmark by L’Artisan du Liban
  • A suitcase tag by 10452 DNA
  • A soap by the Soap Museum in Saida
  • A pack of Anis seeds by Abido spices
  • A postcard designed by Cindy Daccache

The subscription cost is about 39 euros, or $45 per month.

Koullouna also has gift options available on their website.

1 5604
 Food & Drink

Lebanese restaurant named one of ‘Best New Restaurants in America’ by Eater.com

A Lebanese-owned restaurant made the list of the “18 Best New Restaurants in America” recently released by foodie site Eater.com.

The restaurant Maydan is a Middle Eastern-style establishment located in the Washington, DC area.

It is owned by Lebanese-American Rose Previte, whose mother has roots in Detroit, Michigan. She works alongside co-executive chefs Gerald Addison and Chris Morgan.

Eater called on readers to “Zoom in on dishes that particularly reflect Previte’s Lebanese heritage, including spreads like muhammara.” The restaurant offers “a warm greeting at the room-length bar,” Eater added.

Smoked Lamb Shoulder is one of the most popular items on the menu (Eater.com)
Smoked Lamb Shoulder is one of the most popular items on the menu (Eater.com)

In their original review of the restaurant, Eater said Maydan, “proudly and distinctly showcase the traditions of individual North African and Middle Eastern countries.”

RELATED: This machine at Beirut bakery can make 12,000 pita loaves per hour!

The self-described Middle Eastern and North African restaurant serves food that “tells the story of our own travels, from Tangier to Tehran and Batumi to Beirut,” according to their website.

Maydan is located at 1346 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009. For more information, visit their website at this link.

1 3068
 News

Viral ‘We don’t tip terrorist’ restaurant receipt fake, waiter admits

A waiter at a Saltgrass steakhouse in Odessa, Texas admitted that his post about a racist receipt that read, “We don’t tip terrorist,” was fake.

Khalil Cavil posted on Facebook on July 16th a photo of a $108 bill with a paragraph explaining what happened.

“Last night at work I received this note from one of my tables,” Khalil wrote. “I share this because I want people to understand that this racism, and this hatred still exists.”

Cavil’s post was shared tens of thousands of times and generated about 8,000 comments before it was deleted.

Khalil's original post has since been deleted (Facebook screen grab)
Khalil’s original post has since been deleted (Facebook screen grab)

“I did write it,” Cavil told the Odessa American local newspaper. “I made a mistake. There is no excuse for what I did.”

Restaurant officials said that Khalil is no longer employed at the establishment.

“Racism of any form is intolerable, and we will always act swiftly should it occur in any of our establishments,” said Terry Turney, COO of Saltgrass. “Falsely accusing someone of racism is equaling disturbing.”

Comments Off on Viral ‘We don’t tip terrorist’ restaurant receipt fake, waiter admits 2236
 Food & Drink

WATCH: Actor Ben Stiller makes homemade chicken shawarma

American actor and comedian Ben Stiller made an appearance on the popular YouTube food channel Tasty to make chicken shawarma sandwiches!

He was joined by Ahmed Badr, a writer and former refugee from Iraq.

Stiller wanted to recreate one of his most favorite childhood dishes, he said.

The shawarma was broiled for 15 minutes and then added onto a garlic-sauced pita, where cucumbers, tomatoes and pickles were then added on top.

Actor Ben Stiller makes homemade chicken shawarma sandwiches on the Tasty YouTube channel. (YouTube screen grab)
Actor Ben Stiller makes homemade chicken shawarma sandwiches on the Tasty YouTube channel. (YouTube screen grab)

Shawarma, which has been around since the 19th century, is one of Lebanon’s most famous dishes.

RELATED: Pizza shop in California serves Lebanese garlic chicken pizza

The cooking video is apart of UNHCR’s Youtube series “#WithRefugees,” where the agency seeks to educate viewers about the global refugee crisis.

Click here for more information about UNHCR’s work.

WATCH: Ben Stiller makes homemade chicken shawarma sandwiches:

Comments Off on WATCH: Actor Ben Stiller makes homemade chicken shawarma 2918
 Food & Drink

Pizza shop in California serves Lebanese garlic chicken pizza

A pizza shop in a suburb of Los Angeles is known for literally marrying the Lebanese and Latino cultures, and creating unique pizza dishes influenced by both cultures.

Lebanese owner Ali Chahine and his Hispanic wife Brenda Torres are the masterminds behind Big Al’s Pizzeria in Maywood, California.

The couple told KABC-TV the restaurant combines the best of both cultures, and draws foodies from Los Angeles and Orange counties.

“My parents are Lebanese and I met my wife about 17 years ago and I learned how to speak Spanish to get along,” Chahine told the ABC station.

WATCH: KABC-TV showcases a ‘fusion of Lebanese-Mexican cultures’

The restaurant is best known for their famous Lebanese Garlic Chicken Pizza, which features garlic pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, chicken, tomatoes, turnips, pickles, parsley and buttermilk ranch.

A pizza shop in California is known for its Lebanese garlic chicken pizza. (Facebook/Big Al's Pizzeria)
A pizza shop in California is known for its Lebanese garlic chicken pizza. (Facebook/Big Al’s Pizzeria)

Chahine said the pizzeria was recognized in Yelp’s Top 100 places to eat in the U.S. in 2015 and 2018.

“We got a lot of Latinos and Central Americans here in Maywood,” Chahine said. “Then Bell’s right next door and we got a lot of Muslim community, cause we cater the Halal meat to everyone.”

Big Al’s Pizzeria is located at 6044 Atlantic Boulevard in Maywood, California. For more information, click here.

1 2386
 Food & Drink

One of Natalie Portman’s favorite restaurants in NYC is Lebanese

One of Natalie Portman’s favorite vegan restaurants in New York City is a Lebanese restaurant called ilili.

In an interview with Timeout.com, Portman was promoting her upcoming documentary “Eating Animals” when asked about her favorite vegan eateries in New York.

Portman, who holds dual Israeli and American citizenship, said “Ilili is a great Lebanese restaurant that I love.”

Ilili, which means “tell me” in Arabic, is located in New York’s Flatiron district and serves “creative Lebanese sharing plates, entrees & cocktails served up in a trendy, modern space.”

Ilili is located on 5th Avenue in New York City. (Facebook/ilili Restaurant)
Ilili is located on 5th Avenue in New York City. (Facebook/ilili Restaurant)

Some iconic Lebanese vegan dishes that are featured in the restaurant include variations of falafel, mujadara, foul and hummus.

RELATED: 5 Lebanese vegan recipes perfect for Veganuary!

In addition to a dine in experience, ilili also offers catering and delivery options through Uber Eats, Grub Hub and Postmates.

The interior of Lebanese restaurant Ilili in New York City. (Facebook/ilili Restaurant)
The interior of Lebanese restaurant ilili in New York City. (Facebook/ilili Restaurant)

To check out their menu on their website, click here. Ilili is located at 236 5th Avenue in New York City.

Comments Off on One of Natalie Portman’s favorite restaurants in NYC is Lebanese 3561

Send this to friend