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- Dena Burroughs MANDALOUN, in
Glendale Here's a review of a place you can go to when
you're in the mood for a true ethnic experience. Mandaloun is an
elegant Lebanese restaurant in Glendale (141 Maryland St, Glendale CA
818/507 1900.) David and I went on his actual birth date in
celebration of his Lebanese heritage. On Friday and
Saturday nights Mandaloun has a set menu at a set price. The menu
includes all of the customary Lebanese appetizers (humus, tabbouli,
babaganoush, etc) and main dishes (chicken, beef and lamb skewers), as
well as coffee and dessert. There is music for the patrons to
dance to, and a belly dancing show. There is an outdoor patio with
hookahs. It is not a cheap place, but it is the right price for a
dinner on a special occasion.
For the first time, I drank Arak. Arak is a
Lebanese wine made up of grapes and anise that reminds you of the taste
of Sambuca. There is a particular way to serve it - It is first
mixed with water, at which point the wine turns into a milky white
drink, and then ice is added. It is supposed to be enjoyed along
with the food, in particular, meat. Tell you the truth, it is an
acquired taste, but boy! Arak is consumed at Mandaloun bottle after
bottle! There is even a dance that men do around a glass of Arak.
The dance music is all middle eastern, but if you are fearless, you'll
end up on the dance floor as we did!
Cultures, and their peculiarities, are so beautiful!
If you make it to Mandaloun you're in for a cultural experience.
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A dance around a glass of Arak |
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Happy birthday to my half Lebanese baby :) |
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