Andrea, Nicole, Shon, Ethan, and I decided to try the Lebanese Flower Restaurant tonight. I've always wanted to try lamb, but have been a little reluctant (Mary Had a Little Lamb Complex). When opening the menu, didn't recognize any of the names and couldn't really identify meats by the name. I needed pictures beside each entree. While I was deciding what to order, the waiter came up to the table and brought a liter of water for the table to share. Some of the bottled waters contain sodium and some don't. This brand did not have sodium and I really liked it.
After much study and help from the waiter, Nicole and I decided to order the Lebanese Flower Grill, which will include some of all the meats with grilled veggies. Andrea chose chicken and Shon ordered "falafel" (he's a vegetarian). Falafel is a ball of ground chickpeas rolled in sesame seeds and deep fried. Shortly after this, the waiter brought a veggie tray with olives, pickles, hot pepers, and sliced veggies. I like pickles, so decided to try. Was expecting bread and butter or dill, but this was spicy...didn't care for it. I was excited to see pita bread come out with hummus, olive oil, and a salad with veggies and an oil and vinegar dressing. (Yum!)
In this restaurant, there was an open kitchen and from my viewpoint, I could see the chef cooking. The smells coming from the grilling meat were awesome! When our plates arrived, we were all excited to try them. The portions were huge! I started with the known and worked my way to the unknown. I loved everything...including the lamb. Everyone really enjoyed their food. When we were finished, the waiter came and began to clear the table. Some of us asked for a "Take Away", which mean a to go box. Today I learned something....don't expect the waiter to bring your check once the plates are cleared. We waited a really long time for him to come back with the check, but he never came back. Finally had to ask for it. In this culture, they don't rush and give diners plenty of time to eat and fellowship with friends.
After leaving the restaurant, we went next door to their bakery. There were cheesecakes, black forest cakes, and lots of other delicious looking cakes and desserts sliced in "HUGE" portions. Andrea heard that their eclairs were to die for, but unfortunately they were sold out. While waiting in line, I saw the same thing noted earlier in my blog about medical testing...Locals were waited on before foreigners and men were waited on before women. Next, we went next door to a chocolate shop. There are chocolate shops everywhere. There are fine chocolates and homemade candies with intricate detail. Nicole and Shon purchased chocolates and candies while I held Ethan (almost 4 month old). I didn't need any sweets after holding and playing with him.....brought back memories...He is cooing and smiling and excited about all the lights. Ethan made me smile!
On the way to get a cab, we stood outside and tried some of the confections. I have to say, the most interesting one was a nougat candy covered in what looked like dried roses. We'd seen these roses when going to the souk with the other spices. Assumed they were for potpourri....nope. When I bit into it, it tasted like I was eating a dried rose. I really wanted to spit it out, but decided to go ahead and swallow. Think I still have dried rose in my teeth! Yuck!
Well, we grabbed a taxi and headed back to the hotel....I've told you how crazy they drive around here, but don't think I've told you about car seats. Infants are not put in car seats. They sit in a person's lap while weaving in and out of traffic. We had an unusally wild driver on this ride and I was really nervous because I was holding Ethan. Made it back to the hotel ok....praise God...and when getting out, my glasses fog up as normal due to the temperature difference. I think my glasses are the cleanest ever! Good night, my friends! More to come later!
After much study and help from the waiter, Nicole and I decided to order the Lebanese Flower Grill, which will include some of all the meats with grilled veggies. Andrea chose chicken and Shon ordered "falafel" (he's a vegetarian). Falafel is a ball of ground chickpeas rolled in sesame seeds and deep fried. Shortly after this, the waiter brought a veggie tray with olives, pickles, hot pepers, and sliced veggies. I like pickles, so decided to try. Was expecting bread and butter or dill, but this was spicy...didn't care for it. I was excited to see pita bread come out with hummus, olive oil, and a salad with veggies and an oil and vinegar dressing. (Yum!)
In this restaurant, there was an open kitchen and from my viewpoint, I could see the chef cooking. The smells coming from the grilling meat were awesome! When our plates arrived, we were all excited to try them. The portions were huge! I started with the known and worked my way to the unknown. I loved everything...including the lamb. Everyone really enjoyed their food. When we were finished, the waiter came and began to clear the table. Some of us asked for a "Take Away", which mean a to go box. Today I learned something....don't expect the waiter to bring your check once the plates are cleared. We waited a really long time for him to come back with the check, but he never came back. Finally had to ask for it. In this culture, they don't rush and give diners plenty of time to eat and fellowship with friends.
After leaving the restaurant, we went next door to their bakery. There were cheesecakes, black forest cakes, and lots of other delicious looking cakes and desserts sliced in "HUGE" portions. Andrea heard that their eclairs were to die for, but unfortunately they were sold out. While waiting in line, I saw the same thing noted earlier in my blog about medical testing...Locals were waited on before foreigners and men were waited on before women. Next, we went next door to a chocolate shop. There are chocolate shops everywhere. There are fine chocolates and homemade candies with intricate detail. Nicole and Shon purchased chocolates and candies while I held Ethan (almost 4 month old). I didn't need any sweets after holding and playing with him.....brought back memories...He is cooing and smiling and excited about all the lights. Ethan made me smile!
On the way to get a cab, we stood outside and tried some of the confections. I have to say, the most interesting one was a nougat candy covered in what looked like dried roses. We'd seen these roses when going to the souk with the other spices. Assumed they were for potpourri....nope. When I bit into it, it tasted like I was eating a dried rose. I really wanted to spit it out, but decided to go ahead and swallow. Think I still have dried rose in my teeth! Yuck!
Well, we grabbed a taxi and headed back to the hotel....I've told you how crazy they drive around here, but don't think I've told you about car seats. Infants are not put in car seats. They sit in a person's lap while weaving in and out of traffic. We had an unusally wild driver on this ride and I was really nervous because I was holding Ethan. Made it back to the hotel ok....praise God...and when getting out, my glasses fog up as normal due to the temperature difference. I think my glasses are the cleanest ever! Good night, my friends! More to come later!
The soap can do with a natural fragrance, maybe by adding some lavender or the beautifully-smelling flowers in the Lebanon.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I read total Post. It’s really nice. Thank you for sharing.........
May i help you......Please click here-(Flowers in Lebanon)