Middle Eastern Food is one of my favorite cuisines because it epitomizes the healthy goodness of the Mediterranean Diet. I went on a Lebanese food tour in Los Angeles and these are 6 places we stopped at. Almost all are located in mini-malls.
Shanto’s Bakery
Shanto’s Bakery is located in La Crescenta. Specialties include oven-fresh flatbread and wraps.
The owner brought out scrumptious wraps filled with Beef Soujouk, grilled Halloumi Cheese as well as baked Falafel. We also tried Zaatar, which is a flat round bread with thyme, oregano, herbs, and olive oil baked on top.
Shanto’s Bakery
3747 Foothill Blvd. Unit C, La Crescenta CA 91214
website
Zaatar Factor and Bakery
The Zaatar Factory and Bakery is located in Burbank. It makes freshly baked Lebanese Zaatar bread and other treats.
We ate more Zaatar bread and watched how they made it. We also sampled to die for Soujouk with cheese, (sausage roll) The shop also sells Bureks, mixed with potato, mushroom, beef, sandwiches, cakes, and pastries.
Zaatar spice can be used on meats, vegetables, rice, and bread. You can also mix it into a spread along with Lebanese olive oil or sprinkle it on yogurt. Lebanese tradition believes that Zaatar spices make the mind alert and the body strong. Children eat it before a test so they’ll be able to answer the questions better.
The Zaatar Factory and Bakery
2909 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
818-859-7353
website
Skaf’s Grill
Skaf’s Grill is in North Hollywood and has been there since 1999. Outstanding reviews are plastered all over the walls as well as some beautiful pictures of Lebanon.
Salim Skaf is the owner and he insists he serves the best Los Angeles Lebanese food restaurant in the city. He may be right.
It’s a small, unassuming restaurant, but those are usually the best. We sampled Kibbeh Balls which are made with bulgur wheat mixed with ground beef, onions, and pine nuts. It is the most popular dish in Lebanon and they look like little brown footballs.
Mr. Skaf also proclaimed that his Baba-Ghannoush (made with eggplant) is the best around. All the ingredients at Skafs are fresh and imported from Lebanon. There are two other Skaf’s restaurants run by his sons in Glendale.
Lebanon is slightly larger than Los Angeles with the same number of people, approximately 4,000,000 and, according to Mr. Skaf, everyone knows one another.
Skaf’s Grill
6008 Laurel Canyon Blvd. N. Hollywood, CA 91606
818-985-5701
Website
Mission Wine and Spirits
Mission Wine and Spirits (available at several locations) has a selection of wines from Lebanon. Arak is an anise-flavored liquor similar to Greek Ouzo.
We tried a Ksara Cabernet and some Arak, which is 54% alcohol. It’s a traditional liquor in Lebanon and is also popular in Iraq, Syria, and Palestine. When it’s mixed with a little water and an ice cube, the liquor turns milky white.
The store also has an unusual and large collection of liquor including some that are exotic and expensive. They had a Remy Martin Louis on display selling for $6999. It’s a fun place to visit.
Mission Wine and Spirits
1785 E. Washington Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91104
626-794-7026
Website
Vrej Pastry
To get the best Lebanese desserts, you have to stop in at Vrej Pastry in Granada Hills and try a yummy Barazek cookie. It is made with honey and sesame seeds.
Vrej Pastry
11148 Balboa Blvd
Granada Hills
(818) 366-2526
Website
Carnival Restaurant
One of my favorite Lebanese restaurants in Los Angeles is Carnival Restaurant in Sherman Oaks. Its menu is tantalizing and authentic.
It’s a popular restaurant and it is always busy. While we were there on the tour, we tried some of its tabbouleh, hummus, and French Fries. They soak the potatoes in water first to slough off the starch, and that’s what makes their fries so yummy.
Carnival Restaurant
4356 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-784-3469
website
When I go on food tours I always figure it’s not a good time to count calories. It’s best to immerse yourself in the entire experience.
Much thanks to Secret City Tours, led by the amazing John Bwarie and his wife Laura.
Have you ever been on a food tour? Where did you go and what did you taste? Please leave a comment below We’re drooling to know about it.
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