Hummus? YES, Please!

Zahav - Restaurant Week Sept. 2009 Dinner

I was surprised at the size of the restaurant, it’s on the smaller side but it was big enough to not feel cramped. We were seated right smack next to the food pickup window which I was not happy about at first, however I wasn’t bumped into or bothered by anyone going to and fro throughout the dinner—impressive!

Our waiter was beyond fantastic. He answered our 1000s of questions regarding the menu and he even found out from the kitchen what ingredients were in some of our favorite dishes. Very personably without being too intrusive during our meal.

We ordered and shortly after a tower of vegetable salads was placed on our table as well as some hot bread and a huge bowl of hummus. I was in heaven as this is some of my favorite foods! The veggie salads included roasted beet, spicy chickpeas, carrots, roasted red pepper, tabouli, eggplant and 2 others I cannot remember, but they were all very fresh and delicious. My sister who is anti-vegetable ate a lot of it-- We definitely all over indulged in the appetizers.

Here’s a little rundown of dinner:
Haloumi - Which was a fried cheese with date jam. I think this was my favorite overall item I had here. I can’t even explain the taste.
Borekas with mushrooms & feta - These were not that great unfortunately. Just tasted like puff pastry. The only disappointing thing I ate.
Fried Cauliflower – AWESOME. It wasn’t crispy but tasted like deep fried goodness!
Watermelon and Feta – Another awesome dish. The feta was so different then anything you find anywhere else. Very tangy and refreshing.
Stuffed Baby Peppers – I didn’t try these but my friend said they were tasty.
Fried Kibbe with Tahini – Fried balls of lamb and spices. Spices were really nice in these and the tahini went well with it.
Chicken Freekah – was good but too plain for my taste although my non-adventurous eater friends enjoyed it.

I had the lamb sausage (Merguez) for my main dish. It was really spicy and cooked perfectly served atop couscous with a tomato like sauce. I really enjoyed this as well.

And finally for dessert I had the chocolate semifreddo with honey and sesame seeds, which was divine. I was so full at this point though I couldn’t finish it all. Leslie is enjoying a tiny turkish coffee below.

When the check came our waiter gave us each coupons for $10 off our next visit (I WILL be back) and a little packet of spices to take home. How cool is that????

I am in love.