FINALLY! My plan worked! Have friends clue in on my blog, and then feel motivated to try new places! Such is the case with my friend Dimitri, and Lebanese Taverna. So, I have heard of this place plenty of times, but never venture to tried because, well, I didn't know what Lebanese food is. Turns out, inspite of my ignorance, its very much like Greek food!
Anyways, this restaurant is hidden in Harbor East (gosh I wanna live down there) in a corner across from the Harbor. I have never noticed it before because I never ventured quite that far to the end of Harbor East. Anyways, so we enter and were greeted by a gentleman (whom we later found out was the Manager), and asked us to wait for a hostess. We looked around. The decor is wonderful! There were two tables with backgammon board sunken, everything was crisp and neutral, with sparkles of light and surprise (such are their colorful lanterns they have splattered throughout the restaurant. The dining room's tables are separated with tons of space and the ceilings are enormous! You feel very small in such a place, but also very comfortable. Its a very pure ambiance! Anyways, so we are seated and our waiter, Dogan, comes to greet us and take our drinks. He suggests the white Sangria and Dimitri order the "Arak" (spelling?). It is basically the Lebanese version of Ouzo, just a bit stronger. They serve it over ice with water. I didn't like it, but was delighted by my very light and refreshing sangria! To my surprise, the fruit assortment included a piece of cinnamon and basil! However, I believe that, universally, restaurants should start adding a better fruit assortment to their sangria! :)
Anyways, after contemplating over the menu for some time, we decided to get the Vegetarian Mezze Platter for each of us. This included nine traditional Lebanese Mezedes displayed on a clever plate. Unfortunately I don't know the name of the all, but I will describe. There was, Baba Ganoush (this was the first time I tried it, it was wonderful!), Hummus (paled in comparison to the Baba Ganoush...but they do have a Hummus Bar!), a Yogurt Dip? (loved it! of course with my bread), Eggplant Ratatouille (good, think it had ocra in it...so it had that slimy affect, I had to mix it with my yogurt sauce), some sort of vinegared beans (eh... first bite was good!), a refreshing salad (just that, refreshing!), a cheese pie (my favorite!), a spinach pie (Dimitri's favorite), and a falafel with tzatziki sauce (always good!).
We didn't think it would fill us up, but we were stuffed!
We then decided to go straight for the dessert! Dimitri ordered the Lebanese Donuts with the Orange Pudding and I got the Molten Chocolate Turkish Coffee Cake. So...I tired Dimitri's first, and they are exactly like Greek Loukoumades! Sooo yummy! the Orange Custand was a perfect pair as well...very creamy and thick! Mine was a bit strong (probably the Turkish coffee) but delightful in small doses! I really enjoyed the ice cream (always!) and the whip and pistachios that decorated the plate. However, of the two, I preferred Dimitri's...hahaa. Shhh!!
Beside the good food and great atmosphere, I want to commend the great service. Dogan was very nice and his service was very personal. Turns out he is from Turkey and knows a lot about Greece and was able to entertain us! Not only that, but the manager of the evening came over to our table twice to talk with us and ask us about our experience (even though the restaurant was busy!) I was very impress and would like to take more friends to experience this! Best service I have ever experienced! Job well done!
http://www.lebanesetaverna.com/
Stay cultured,
Your Tasty Bud
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