why they serve Syrian food in a Lebanese restaurant!

Muhamara - walnut dip

We were hungry, no correct that, I was starved. It felt like hours since Barb and I had wandered into this empty restaurant.  The waiter/owner/ host brought a basket of pita, (still in the plastic bag, no napkin) and a plate of olives, hot green pepper pickles and the red pickled turnip that I love.  I wasted no time and was soon munching.  With my mouth filled I returned to my surroundings.  A portion of the ceiling had been lowered and was swathed in a velvet curtain complete with tassels; their colour matched the amber crystals on the chandeliers.  And while they were over the top they were stunning.  The room was large and filled with a eclectic collection of formal Middle Eastern furnishings, couches, chairs.  A darkened corner to the right seemed to contain traditional tables and chairs. Barb had already asked for the volume on the music to be lowered, yet here it was again, a Middle East melody weaving its way through our meal.

The cold mezza arrived, too many plates for our tiny table so we piled some on a chair. There was Tabbouleh, Fattouch, Labneb (a yogurt dip), Hummus, Baba ganoush, Cheese rolls, Shanklish (Syrian cheese with toppings) and my new favorite Muhamara (Walnut dip).  Muhamara is another Syrian dish made of crushed walnuts in a spicy paprika bread base, (Yes, bread!) and drizzled with Pomegranate Sauce.

And you guessed it, we were not in Saint John, NB; but rather in GTA, think Mississauga, at   ZANOBIA.   I have been visiting my best friend Barb Dunning and this was a spur of the moment dinner choice.  Located at 1565 Dundas Street East, this is a Lebanese restaurant, night club which was to have their official opening the next evening.  We had been the sole dinners.  Then four young women who came in to smoke a hookah pipe, and lingered to eat.  Back to our meal, I would like to you were quaffed a traditional Lebanese drink however both Barb and I are alcohol handicapped.  The hot Messa arrived, Tawouk (grilled chicken kabobs} and a grilled beef kabob with more sauces and accompaniments including pita slathered in a red spicy, not hot, paste.   We ate and ate; we packed two containers to bring home. 

          Zanobia was an experience we are still enjoying.  Cost of our dinner approximately $45.00 thanks Barb!  And no one asked me why they serve Syrian food in a Lebanese restaurant!