A Typical Lebanese Dinner - MEZE

As part of our new teacher orientation we were treated to a tour of the city followed by a wonderful dinner. "...meze is often a meal in its own right. Groups of dishes arrive at the table about 4 or 5 at a time (usually between five and ten different groups). There is a set pattern to the dishes, typically olives, tahini, salad and yoghurt will be followed by dishes with vegetables and eggs, then small meat or fish dishes alongside special accompaniments, and finally more substantial dishes such as whole fish or meat stews and grills. Different establishments will offer different dishes, their own specialities, but the pattern remains the same. As so much food is offered, it is not expected that every dish be finished, but rather shared at will and served at ease." (taken from Wikipedia)

Our dinner started with soup and breads, which was quickly followed by tabboleah, hummus, chickpeas in yogurt, a cooked spinach dish, fried goat cheese, stuff wrapped in grape leaves - which was then followed by platters of rice, meats, more small dishes - which was followed by desserts and fruit. It was an overwhelming amount of food, but some of the most delicous food I have ever had.

YUM, YUM, YUMMY

Note - Ramadan is going on right now... this meant that at our dinner many of the people at are table were having their iftar (breaking of the day's fast during Ramadan). This made the occasion extra special, since even the locals were excited to eat the Meze and smoke sheesha.

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