I live about 5 minutes from Zaki Kabob House but had ignored it for its first year, thinking it only served meat dishes and I'm a vegetarian. However in the past few months, this place has been packed every time I've driven by. Finally on Wednesday of this week my curiosity got the best of me and I stopped by after work. What a great decision that was! Yes it was packed but I got mine to go. I had the fava bean salad, which is not a salad at all but a warm dish of poached fava beans marinated in some savory herbs and spices, stewed tomatoes, and olive oil. I had never had anything like it before and I just gobbled it up. Last night some friends wanted something healthy, and I couldn't get the fava beans out of my mind so I took them there. All agreed that the pureed lentil soup was the best we had ever had, anywhere. One friend who was completely unfamiliar with middle eastern food didn't really like the fava beans but the rest of us did. I had the moujadara, which is poached green lentils and rice with sauteed red onions. Everyone at the table loved it. I don't know what spices they use there, but the flavors are just delicious. The meat eaters among us had the shredded chicken breast which is marinated in herbs and spices overnight, and the rotisserie chicken. They gave both the big thumbs up. We also thoroughly enjoyed our tabouleh and our baba ghannouj.
Service was a little slow to start, but picked up after awhile. This is a family run place so not everyone is experienced in waiting tables. Last night they had a middle eastern trio playing, which added to the festive atmosphere although admittedly was a little loud as this is a small restaurant.
Overall, a fabulous meal and experience. All of my friends said they would be back. And I will definitely support this small business owner in my neighborhood!
Pros: Fava Beans, Lentil Soup
Cons: Can get crowded and noisy
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