Restaurant Spotlight of the Week:

Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant

By Darien Bates

Lebanese Butcher & Restaurant

109 East Annandale Rd., Falls Church, VA • (703) 241-2012

Hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Lebanese Butcher shop and Market, which has been selling meat and other Lebanese foods in Falls Church for over 15 years, last year decided to open a new restaurant in the space next door to its butchery.

Customers had long asked for the addition, knowing the owner's extensive knowledge of meat and Lebanese cooking. But it wasn't until relatively recently, when the doors were finally opened and the spits started turning. Now that the restaurant has established itself in the community it is hard to imagine that there was a time when it wasn't a part of the shop. It serves as a fabulous place to prepare and sell the meats and other products that people love, and the butcher shop has sold, for many years.

While the restaurant is small and slightly rustic-feeling, there is a elegance that no amount of decorating could emulate. The immediate sense when one walks in, is of personal caring. Small tables fill the small dining area and a high counter lines the back wall where orders are taken.

A surprising effective feature of the room is the stone fountain imbedded in the left wall, surrounded by potted plants. It's a strange decorative choice, and yet it gives a sense of natural vibrance to the room. The sound of the water serves as a subliminal soundtrack and channels the feeling of an oasis.

The restaurant is connected to the butcher shop next door, through saloon-style doors, and the meat that is used in its dishes, is fresh Halal meat from the butcher. Meat is determined to be halal based on how the animal is killed. Known to be of high quality, it is required that the slaughter be done by a Muslim who says the name of Allah over the animal, and not through mechanical measures. But those looking for a great meal full of interesting flavors, need not worry themselves about the specifics of their meat, just know that it's fresh. Other than that, it's all good.

And the food available isn't limited to meaty dishes. For starters, there is the classic tabouleh, the classic Middle-Eastern salad with tomatoes, onion, and parsley. It's fresh and light, with more spice than a standard salad. And of course the fresh hoummus is always a good bet. The blended tahini, chick peas, garlic and lemon is subtle and yet intriguing.

For heartier vegetarian options, the falafel, mixed vegetables and tahini wrapped in a pita, is practically intoxicating in the variety of flavors that are somehow mixed to form an effective cocktail of tastes.

But it seems silly to go to a butcher shop and not try the meat. From char-broiled chicken to hamburgers to lamb shish kabob, there are a variety of ways in which their meat is prepared.

Wrapped in a warm crisp pita, the chicken shawarma is rife with flavors. Varying from sweet to salty, the meat is juicy and the vegetables complement well.

Equally good, the beef has a darker flavor and is a bit heavier, but it is still enchantingly seasoned, and the meat is tender. For a rich, fragrant option, the lamb shish kabob is succulent and full bodied.

While the meals are filling, one shouldn't leave without trying the baklawa. It is honeyed, but not overly sweet, and the nuts are meaty. The variety of dishes, from sandwiches to full entrees, makes it a great place to enjoy heartfelt, homemade Lebanese food in a simple, comfortable restaurant.