Quebrado’s parents have made sure that I’ve gotten an opportunity to try all the local Lebanese foods…in quantities fit for a high school football team. There is no such thing as an empty table in a Lebanese home or restaurant.
The food here is ridiculously delicious though some is healthier than others. I think about America and how easy it is to go down any major city street and find Chinese, Sushi, Italian, French or Mexican restaurants. Here in Lebanon most places you come across are going to serve only local foods and that’s because they are so damn good. There’s no need to load up on food from other countries on a regular basis. And that’s not to say they don’t have a good variety of foreign restaurants (I had sushi for lunch the other day) but its just not overwhelming. And the home cooking is just as good – I was treated to some delicious meals by Quebrado’s mom and his aunt.
I will definitely miss the amazing fetoush salads (though Gaby’s in LA does do a decent rendition), the flavorful tabouleh, muhammara (crushed walnuts, pepper paste and pomegranate juice) and spicy potato dishes. I got to try “Lebanese Sushi” which is from a white fish native to the area called Abu Seh (or something like that). Even the frog legs and the mysterious kim chee like dish were good experiences (even if I won’t be trying them again soon).
A good day of eating includes:
Mezze (all the delicious appetizer plates of veggies, breads and cheeses)
Meats (Chicken, fish)
Drinks (Mexican Beer, Jeleb, and just to say I had it, Arak)
Nargileh (Grape)
Piles of Fresh Fruit
Repeat…
Those Sardines look so good!!!!! Damn I love middle eastern food!
Miss Kendra – not typically what I’d grab to eat, but they were pretty darned good. Overall though, I think you’d have a difficult time finding a bad meal in Lebanon! Can’t wait to go back.