Last Friday I finally got someone to try the new Lebanese place on Oltorf (next to Curra's)... who better than the Lebaunidense.
You're probably wondering how I came up with Lebaunidense. Well, he comes from a Lebanese mother and an American father--- which in spanish would be referred to as Estadounidense, and since my friend is big into the Spanish language, I figured it would suit him perfectly.
I was so excited to try this place since reading this on their website:
Paul Nader brings his culinary genius to Central Texas with his newest restaurant Tarbouch, a Lebanese Grill and Hookah bar. Paul, head chef and owner of Chez Paul restaurant and bakery in Lebanon, now opens his doors to the people of Austin. With 20 years of experience serving the people of Lebanon with fresh, flavorful food he is very excited to be in Austin. Tarbouch now opens in Austin to offer the people of Texas quality food without breaking the wallet.
The food is a unique marriage of Mediterranean and traditional Lebanese cuisine. The entire menu is made on site and from scratch. For those who are curious Tarbouch is a red felt hat in the shape of a truncated cone worn by many in the Ottoman empire.
The restaurant is TINY ... I mean, tiny and very simple.
Half of the restaurant was taken up by a refrigerator full of Baklava (the only dessert on the menu) and sodas. Nothing impressive...so I figured the food would be really good, since typically holes in the wall like this one serve the best food.
Nope...
To start we had Mast-OKhiyar (yoghurt and cucumber). Super bland. I mean they literally put some plain yoghurt and cut up cucumbers, no spices, not even salt.
Lebaunidense got Sheesh Tawook- chicken breast cooked over an open flame and served with cabbage salad, hummus, garlic sauce, and pickles.
He wasn't impressed, but of course this didn't hold a candle to his mom's garlic sauce!
I had Beef Shawarma Plate- beef steak slowly roasted on a vertical pit,thinly sliced and served with hummus, onion salad, Tahini (sesamesauce) and Greek Salad. No go on this---- I liked the Tahini, but I'd rather make the trip to Phoenicia and enjoy a GOOD Shawarma. Even the bread tasted funny... I wonder if they make it there or buy Phoenicia brand... didn't taste Phoenicia to me.
Overall, I expected a little more spice. The portions were nice and big, and you get your money's worth... just not worth the trip if you live or work far from Oltorf and Congress.
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