OK, now don't tell but I went to the Lebanese Taverna in Arlington for lunch yesterday.
I normally work in an area that is not Arlington but my work brought me to the area for an appointment. A work colleague frequents this ethnic haunt having introduced me to this place at least 10 years ago! Thanks Jeff. I just had to come today for lunch.
The parking area is small but once you get inside there are a number of simple tables. This may be the original location for the taverna which was started in 1979. For over 30 years the Abi-Najm family have taken what was merely a dream back in 1976 when they immigrated to the US and made their dream come true. Today the Lebanese Taverna boasts 6 restaurants, 5 cafes, a market in McLean, and cooking classes.
I just enjoy little bites so looked for something on the menu that would give me a little variety. I ordered the vegetarian mezze platter. This is what came to my table along with some just-out-of-the oven whole wheat and regular white pita bread. The bread was served with olive oil, sesame seeds and za'atar. The latter is a combination of spices that most commonly consist of sesame seeds, thyme and ground sumac. The overall taste is somewhat tart and citrusy.
From the top left to right are tabouli, rice stuffed grape leaf, stewed beans, then eggplant ratatouille, eggplant (baba ghanoush), spinach pie, and finally, hommos, bean fritter (falafel) with tahini, and eggplant salad. My favorites were the eggplant ratatouille, hommos and the falafel. Let me just say that the falafel is a patty made out of crushed chickpeas, fava beans and spices, then are fried. These were exceptionally moist unlike any I have had.
I was prepared to have a take out box with whatever I could not finish, but the portions for each were no more than a tablespoon or two at the most, making for about 9 lovely bites on this plate. How much more do you need to eat for lunch? I did not feel full and was most satisfied so asked for the dessert menu and asked the waiter to bring me something that was light for the end to my meal.
The homemade ice creams from left to right are chocolate, vanilla bean and pistachio. Each flavor was full of their respective flavors. I ordered turkish coffee, lightly sweetened to finish off a lovely meal.
If you live in the area and have not tried the Lebanese Taverna, you must put this on your To Do list.
I sent my colleague Jeff a pix of my lunch saying that I was thinking about "his place" and remembered when he brought me here over 10 years ago. (I think he is a regular...)
Thank you, Jeff for bringing me here...
I can't wait to come back.
Enjoy eating every day...
