Through the world of blogging I have made many on line friends whilst visiting their blogs to chatting to them on social media. There are some bloggers that I have met in person at blog events and many have become really good close friends. Last Friday I met up with Jagruti from Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey. We came to know each other about 4 years ago and from time to time we meet up for lunch or go shopping together, we both share the same obsession for collecting blog props.
Both of us love Lebanese food and were excited to look at the menu to select some dishes that we had not tried before.Whilst we sipped on a chilled Lebanese drink called Jallap made from dates, raisins and rose essence,we browsed through the menu as to what vegetarian options they had and also asked the waitress for recommendations about some of the unfamiliar dishes.
We opted to choose a selection of side dishes to share instead of mains as this way we could sample a little of everything.We ordered Makdous which is a dish made from preserved baby aubergines stuffed with walnuts. The preserved aubergines had a salty, tangy bite and the walnut, chilli and garlic stuffing gave the aubergines a wonderful flavour leaving your mouth salivating for another bite. Don't shy away from the shrivelled up look they tasted amazing.
We also tried the Batala Harra Meal which was a platter with hummus, Batata harra (spicy fried potatoes), Falafel, Tabbouleh and Cheese roll (filo pastry spring roll with cheese as the filling.) The Batata Harra, which I usually adore was a little disappointing, it was bland and lacked the flavour we had expected, however the tabbouleh was delicious and very aromatic with the herbs.
Also on the menu was a side dish called Fatayer which we ordered. Fatayer were mini pastry parcels with a lovely spinach and onion filling. The pastry was light and simply melted in the mouth and the spinach and onion filling was really well seasoned and tasted delicious.
The final dish we ordered was the Mousaka'a Betinjan. Having never tried this dish before we were unsure what to expect. When the dish arrived it was an aubergine and chickpea stew with boiled rice.The stew was quite watery and sadly we did not enjoy it as much as all the other dishes.
Each dish was different in taste and flavour, however Both Jagruti and I were in full agreement that the Makdous and the Fatayer definitely stole the show, as they were really tasty and flavoursome and we could easily have eaten more of the same. Being food bloggers we were both intrigued to find out how they were created, unfortunately we did not really get a opportunity to chat to the owner or the waitress so find out the secret recipes!!!
We ended our lunch with a latte and Lebanese coffee which was served in an authentic Lebanese copper pot. Both Jagruti and I had our eyes on the pot which was gorgeous.It would make the perfect food prop!!! We did not sample any desserts so I am not sure what was on the menu.

Food - 4 / 5
Ambiance - 3 /5
Service - 3 / 5
Score - 10 / 15
I'm not usually a fan of Lebanese dining but might have to give it a try again! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteLovely review. I love Lebanese food.It was very popular in Brazil as there was a large population of Lebanese settlers there.
ReplyDeleteIts an amazing feeling meeting up with fellow bloggers. I met 2 of them (and my first) in Dubai and thoroughly enjoyed getting to them in person. Wonderful review of the Lebanese restaurant and amazed at the vegetarian options.
ReplyDeleteI love Lebanese food especially because you tend to be able to have loads of smaller dishes to try loads of things. x
ReplyDeleteLebanese food is one of my favourite types of food. I just love anything with aubergines in it.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried Lebanese food, I m going to have to try it as some of the dishes you tried sound amazing x
ReplyDeleteGreat review. Looks like such a lovely place. I have neer tried that kind of food and a great way to meet bloggers
ReplyDeleteAlways good to meet fellow bloggers in real life.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you guys were able to try this restaurant. I would definitely have to try the Fatayer.
ReplyDeleteLebanese food is on he list of food I want to try and your dishes look amazing and you are right about the copper pot making a good prop x
ReplyDeleteThis sounds amazing. I have never tried Lebanese food before but it sounds delicious. I really want to try it.
ReplyDeletelooks great! i love lebanese food!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great time and the food looks delicious! x
ReplyDeleteMiss Kitty Kaos - Adventures Of A Riot Grrrl
I do like Fatayer they are yummy, share the chickpea and aubergine stew was runny x
ReplyDeleteI really like the Fatayer they are yummy. I alays order those.
ReplyDeleteI love Lebanese food, sadly no one else I know likes it so I don't ever get the opportunity to eat is as much as I would like to! Some of the dishes you mentioned sound so good! x
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever tried Lebanese food - How disappointing that the spicy potatoes were a bit of a let down though. Isn't it great to meet up with fellow bloggers that just GET why we do it.
ReplyDeleteThat batala harra meal looks amazing! Shame it was a little bland, as it looks like just my sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteMy best friend was from Lebanon and I am very familiar with the food. Her mum used to cook a lot! I live very near EB so will have to check this place out.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried Lebanese cuisine before, but this sounds so good! I would love to try those aubergines!
ReplyDeleteOh no sorry to hear that the bata harra was bland because that is my favourite Lebanese dish. The drink at the beginning sounds exciting.
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