New Lebanese Place - Merrifield

[Meg]

In the same shopping center as H Mart (corner of Gallows and 29). Has anyone been?

[tigerd]

We just ordered 2 sandwiches to-go -- the Falafel Sandwich and the Chicken Shish-Tauok sandwich (which comes with 3 french fries IN the 'wich). The sandwiches are pretty large and a good price (under $5 each). I have to say, the Falafel sandwich was really good.... comparable to Lebanese Butcher, but the Chicken Shish-Tauok was not so great. I don't know if it was the fries, or if the chicken was too dry, or because there was no hummus, tahini or tzatziki. Lebanese Butcher's Shish-Tauok is WAY better.

[ainara]

I can't comment on the quality of the shish tauok at RC because I haven't tried it there yet, but serving the sandwich with a few fries inside is the way I've seen it done in several Arab countries. I usually enjoy when that authenticity makes its way to DC.

[Bob W]

OK, I just finished my lunch from this place.

It's called Raouche' Cafe. Nice little spot. For those who don't like the aromas of Leb Butcher, this place, at least for now, is pretty sterile.

I got a grape leaves appetizer and a felafel sandwich. The grape leaves, while good, were a bit pricy at $4.95. The felafel sandwich was tasty and a good deal at $3.95. The menu also features a variety of other sandwiches and platters -- kebobs, etc. -- plus hummos and other appetizers.

They must plan on selling a boatload of hummos and felafel -- if you look in the kitchen you will see three humongous bowls of chick peas ready to be turned into something good.

All in all, a basic little neighborhood eatery. Probably not worthy of a special trip from too far away but worth a try if you're in Merrifield.

PS They have a huge supply of sweets from a bakery in Tyre, Lebanon, that I suspect is very well known. A couple who was in there when I arrived was speaking what I guess was Arabic to one of the employees and bought close to $80 worth of the stuff. I was given a piece of the pastry that looks like a birds nest when I paid and it was good -- not as sweet as a lot of the baklava you get around here.

[alkapal]

bob, thanks for the report....

[Bob W]

I know where I'll be going for lunch tomorrow! We'll see if the Leb Butcher has a worthy competitor.

[Meg]

Thanks for being my guniea pig. Looking forward to your report.

[Dennis S]

Got the name?

[Meg]

No, sorry. But it's caddy corner from H Mart.

[alkapal]

we definitely need more authentic lebanese around here! leb taverna prices are high imo, and i cannot get over the "butcher" smell at leb butcher..

merrifield a hot foodie spot? myanmar, h-mart, now lebanese! who knew....

btw, an amusing side note for all well-informed hounds:
http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-k...

[Meg]

Ha! Thanks for the enlightenment alkapal. As soon as I typed "caddy corner" I thought, hmmm, what the heck does that really mean, and did I spell it correctly? I'd only ever heard it spoken.

And I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one that can't fully appreciate the leb. butcher because of its setting. Though I love it for takeout.

[alkapal]

actually, "caddy" is closer than "kitty"! ;-)
yep. leb butcher just doesn't cut it! ha!

maybe take out is the key. let me (temporarily) don the ventilating mask.....kibbeh, here i come!