Last night, I went out with my friend, V. She is my first true friend since I moved in France. I worked yesterday (yes, on a Saturday) from 9am-4pm and when I was finally done I wondered what my evening would be like. Baby girl is still with my niece and the husband was working the afternoon-evening shift. I immediately thought of V. She knows how crazy my work schedule can be and respects that. Unfortunately, I’ve lost friends who just didn’t understand why I wasn’t texting them 24/7. I guess they weren’t real friends in the first place. Sometimes I don’t talk to V for a couple of weeks, but when we catch up it’s like no time passed. She’s a mother as well and has a job, so I respect her need to have distance too.
Anyways, I called her up and we immediately made plans to eat out. We’ve been thinking of going to the Lebanese restaurant, Au Coeur du Liban, and we did. I actually went once there with my family and we absolutely loved it. I was just reading the blog post I wrote back in 2013 and I couldn’t help but smile.
In 2013, Dad, the husband, and I decided to eat in Au Coeur du Liban to celebrate starting a new job. That job never worked out, unfortunately. Politics and all. This was actually how I met V. We were supposed to work together and we just clicked at first sight.
So much has changed since 2013 but not much has changed either. Just like then, Baby girl was on vacation with my niece. I’m still happily married with the husband. I am also happy with my job now and I have no regrets. On the other hand, Dad has sadly passed away. I wonder when I can finally say those words and not feel sad about it.
Anyways … last night was amazing. It almost seemed like the universe wanted us to have dinner here. We found a parking spot in what could seem impossible otherwise. Parking was free. Restaurant was full, but we managed to get a table for two. And we were even offered extra dessert. Amazing, isn’t it???
I just took one photo of last night, but I will share some of the photos I took in 2013. One thing that I’m always scared about eating out is that most restaurants sort of change for the worst through the years. Seems like Au Coeur du Liban is the exception to the rule. It was as good as I remembered it to be, even better!
V and I had the House Cocktail (5,00 Euros) which was Peach Syrup and Rosé Wine. It was very refreshing and oh-so girly! I loved it.
Then we had the Mezze Royal (30,00 Euros), which was just to die for!
Our Mezze Royal included:
Cold Starters:
Homous– Puree de pois chiches a la creme de sesame
Hummus– Puree of chickpeas with sesame paste
Taboulé Libanais – Melange de persil et de tomates assaisonne de citron et de l’huile d’olive
Lebanese Taboulé – Mixture of parsley and tomatoes seasoned with lemon and olive oil
I don’t have photos but there was also Moutabal / Lebanese Eggplant Caviar and Labné / Lebanese Cream Cheese.
Hot Starters:
Left) Arayes – Pain libanais grille farci a la viande hachee marine / grilled Lebanese bread stuffed with marinated ground beef
Right) Falafel – boulettes de pois chiches et feves a la coriandre avec sa sauce tarator / balls of chickpeas and beans with coriander with a sauce tarator
Jweneh Djej – Ailes de poulet grillees et marinees a l’ail et a la coriandre / grilled chicken wings marinated in garlic and coriander.
Also included but not in the photo: Kebbé
Our main dish was Lahmé (grilled lamb skewers served with rice). What can I say about this dish?!
Our meal was already perfect enough with the starters, but with this – it was beyond perfection. The lamb was probably the best lamb I’ve ever eaten in my life. Seriously. It melted in my mouth. V was as equally amazed. And to top it all off, even the rice was amazing. How can that be possible?! I’m not complaining though.
V and I had a really excellent night. The delicious food, the great service, and her and me.
What’s next for me? Well, on Monday and Tuesday, I’m eating out for lunch for my work, but I doubt I’ll be able to take photos. I’ll try though. But the husband and I are going out on Tuesday for our wedding anniversary. We’re trying out an Ethiopian restaurant for the first time. I’ll definitely write about that.
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