WORLD EATS MiDDLE EAST & AFRiCA
17
Kuzina Lebanese Grill LEBANON
It never ceases to amaze me that so many uniquely qualified humans find their way to our little sparkling city by the sea and decide to share their talents with our community. Take Zhouhair Backnak, the head chef of Kuzina Lebanese Grill, for instance. Before moving to the United States in 2004, he completed his cooking diploma in the Phoenician city of Sidon in Lebanon and worked in various restaurants in Lebanon and Dubai, perfecting the art of Eastern culinary preparation. When he started working at Kuzina, he was just a cook. Four years in that position taught him a lot about the U.S. food business, but he couldn’t help but feel something was missing, something he calls “the opportunity for self-realization.” Taking his culinary future into his own hands, Zouhair (or Zou-Zou, as many call him) purchased Kuzina in 2015 and converted it into his own family business. Today he and his wife Dadoo run the business themselves, and they practice the food philosophy of, “If we don’t eat it, we don’t serve it.” This philosophy is in everything they do. “If I don’t eat with plastic cutlery,” Backnak says, “I never serve food with plastic cutlery.” As a couple and restaurateurs, they serve diners as if they are guests in their own home. Per Backnak’s recommendation, I order a Mix Platter Appetizer for take-out, with a side of Kibbeh Balls. (Pro tip: six Kibbeh Balls is way too ambitious for two people; apparently they’re the size of meatballs, not protein bites.) This gorgeously plated platter is perfect for sharing with friends or a casual snacky date night. Featuring some of Lebanon’s most popular appetizers like tabbouleh, hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and dolma, this dish is pretty much my idea of heaven in edible form. A transportation across oceans to a Lebanese seaside cafe. Forks not necessary; scoop up the tabbouleh with the pita, top the falafel with hummus, and enjoy. 3801 SARATOGA BLVD STE 113, 78415
40 The Bend
18 Middle Eastern Market INDIA & IRAN
Don’t be confused by the two front doors to Middle Eastern Market on Everhart. If you’re looking for a quick snack or a soda, use the door on the left – that will take you to the small bodega. But if you’re looking for a fresh meal that will blow you out of the water, you better take the door on the right. When I first walk in, I have no idea what to expect from this family-owned, cafeteria-style eatery. The young man at the register sees me eyeing the sign that reads, “Today’s Special: Butter Chicken,” and says, “Do it. You won’t regret it.” Regret is the last thing on my mind when I bite into the chicken, made ultra-tender by the tandoor. A velvety tomato, butter, and cream sauce complements a symphony of subtly fiery Indian spices, some familiar, some new. 5405 EVERHART RD, 78411