Since my best friend from growing up just moved back to Chicago, I decided to make her a Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern meal inspired by our favorite Lebanese restaurant in Ohio-the Beirut. If you've been to Toledo, Ohio, then you've definitely been to the Beirut since it's a place where everyone knows your name (and life story). And on top of its warm atmosphere, it has spectacular food to boot.
Some of the spices in these dishes are hard to find (like sumac and za'atar), but if you live in Chicago you can buy them at The Spice Market in Old Town. It's quite the destination for an avid cook if you haven't been there already.
Here is what I served:
Grillled Lamb Meatballs with Apricot, Pine Nut, and Feta Couscous and Fattoush Salad
(recipes after the jump)
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