What
DOWNTOWN Around The Globe Zahlé Dinner
When
October 3 – November 13
Where
DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails
135 S. 6th Ave.
More Info
downtownkitchen.com
The Cities of Gastronomy Around the Globe series at DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails concludes its 2017 lineup with Zahlé, Lebanon.
As a result, the menu features Lebanese influence with ingredients such as bulgur, za’atar, lamb, pickled turnips, and more.
Zahlé’s signature dish, kibbeh, will be a star entree on the menu.
A fellow City of Gastronomy, Zahlé is also known as the “City of Wine and Poetry,” “Bride of the Beqaa,” and the “Neighbor of the Gorge.” It was inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2013.
DOWNTOWN Kitchen Around The Globe Zahlé Menu
Appetizers
- Chickpea Arugula Salad — olive oil cured olives, scallions, tomatoes, capers, Zahlé aioli, parley, mint, olive oil, lemon
- Beef Meatballs Channel the Essence of Lebanon — almonds, raisins, garlic, mint, chili, cinnamon, cumin, Mediterranean pistou redolent of pomegranate molasses
- Za’atar Dusted Crisp-Fried Frog Legs (3) — tabbouleh salad, rosewater, orange zest + almond yogurt sauce
Main Courses
- Kibbeh: Lamb + Bulgur Stuffed with Labneh — beet puree with pomegranate molasses + yogurt; festooned with pickled turnips, pistachios, dried apricots, minted tahini + blood orange olive oil
- Iskashitaa Network Date Stuffed Quail (2) — quail breast and leg stuffed with locally-gleaned date bread pudding, on baba ghanoush with pomegranate arils, figs, rose petals, quince glaze + preserved lemons ($1 to Iskashitaa Refugee Network)
- Zahlè Mixed Grill — Ben Forbes’ merguez lamb sausage with crisp fried potatoes, herb tomato sauce; herb yogurt-marinated grilled dark meat chicken with its marinade and traditional turnip pickles; Lebanese beef pie with sumac, honey + tahini
Desserts
- Pistachio + Rosewater Cream Stuffed Meringue — mint syrup, oranges, figs, dates, apricots chocolate shavings
- Caramel and Macadamia Cheese Cake — oatmeal cookie crust, with toasted macadamia nut + caramel topping
DOWNTOWN Kitchen + Cocktails is located at 135 S. 6th Ave. For more information, call (520) 623-7700 or visit downtownkitchen.com.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
