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| - When it comes to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, I am an easy sell. But there is something about this little joint (and I do mean that in the literal sense) that keeps pulling me back, me back.
I find comfort in the fact that their employees, at least the handful that I have met, are European. Even if they all aren't off the boat Lebanese, authenticity permeates the building.
Although I haven't had the pleasure/mispleasure of scarfing yalanji (stuffed grape leaves, otherwise known as dolmades in greek cuisine) while being wooed by the belly dancer, I am not entirely opposed.
On to the food. We started with the hommos as an appetizer. It is some of the best I have had. Very creamy, nice drizzles of olive oil, and served with pickled vegetables and pita bread. I happen to like pretty much pickled everything, so this works for me. Got to love vinegar. It is a generous portion for 2-4 people, depending on hunger or ambition levels.
YALANJI. What can I say? These rival my Aunt's, whose I can eat like they are going out of style. Love them. They are the best I have had in Charlotte to date.
Dinner was Omar's Salad with a lamb skewer. I will complain, because it's fun to do sometimes, that $3.50 for 4 skinny pieces of lamb is steep. Or just call me greedy. Whatever.
I can say that I have sampled a variety of other dishes here and they are all great. As our waitress said, "Everything is good!"
Do not leave without trying a pistachio baklava and a Turkish coffee for my fellow cardamom lovers out there.
And bring a mint. :)
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