Café Beirut

A couple Saturdays ago Charles and I decided to check out a spot close to home that's been on the list for some time - Café Beirut.

I've lost count of the number of times we've walked past this place since it opened last summer, regularly peering in the front window to check things out. Finally stepping through the door around 7:30 that Saturday evening, we found a fairly empty space, save a table of two in the corner, and were greeted by the owner immediately. Running over the selection posted above the 'prep area' at the front, we eventually decided on the mezza - 8 items for two people (~$38).

 A Raspberry Laziza

The space is fairly small, with about half a dozen metal rounds placed throughout. We were asked to select a spot set up with two tables, and we saw why once all the food came out. After a slight wait we were brought a table full of food - there had to be enough for three or four people there. Nevertheless we dug in.

Without a doubt the hit of the table was the Shawarma Chicken - served between two crispy pita shells, the chicken was delicately spiced, flavourful and moist, and like a few other dishes on the table were topped with bright purple pickled turnip (I could have eaten a bowl of those pickles alone). Charles ate his way through most of the Fatoush (romaine salad with Summak spice, olive oil, lemon and crisp pita) while I happily kept the dish of Musakaat (eggplant, chickpeas and onions sautéed with garlic and spices) to myself. Though it was served cold, it reminded me of the Briam I'd always order at Cosmos in Sherwood Park during evenings out with my parents. I would certainly head back for this dish alone. While Charles isn't a big fan of humus or baba ganouge, I found both well spiced and incredibly creamy - perfect with pita and a couple other items on the table.

 Mezza

At the end of our meal (we ended up taking home a sizable container of leftovers) we also managed to grab a piece of fresh, still warm Baklava. Dripping with honey and full of warm walnuts, you just can't beat a dessert like that.

Though we decided Café Beirut was set up more for takeout than anything else, the owner was incredibly friendly and there were dishes in our mezza lineup that we'll certainly be heading back for, whether it's eat in or take out.

Café Beirut
10812 Whyte Ave.
780.988.8821
Hours: M-Sa (11am - 10pm); Su (noon - 6pm)


We walked to Ice on Whyte afterwords and bumped into Monkey themed snow sculptures. I didn't take much from my Anthro of Religion class last year, but I was able to recognize Monkey with his iron, Piggy and Sandy carved in snow. Excellent.

Parkallen Restaurant

Both arriving home late Wednesday evening, Charles and I decided to take the fifteen minute walk over to Parkallen Restaurant for dinner.

We had never been to the restaurant before (despite its closeness to our apartment), so I'm not sure about previous set up and decor, but walking into their freshly renovated space is quite amazing...

A stunning glass wine case is at the centre of the room

It's set up like this on the north and south sides of the wine case. Towards the back of the room there are tables to seat larger groups.

(Yes, the hookah pipes are functional)

After being seated next to the amazing wine display, we thought a glass or half bottle was in order. While they were out of many of their half bottle selections, our server recommended what ended up being a very pleasant full bottle that we were able to drink half of and carry home in a bag (while we couldn't believe this, we both loved this idea, since a full bottle of wine usually isn't in the cards for us).

Skipping appetizers, we went straight to mains, with Charles ordering a New York steak with potatoes and steamed veggies ($24), and I the Lahem Mishwee platter (cubed beef) with Lebanese rice and veggies ($21).

Our food came out in a pretty timely manner, and we dove in. Charles steak was grilled to his requested medium rare which made him quite happy, and the accompanying sides were equally enjoyable. Although I enjoyed my plate, I found the beef a little bland, however it was grilled just as well as Charles' steak, leaving it moist and tender. The rather large portion of Lebanese rice was really lovely, with lots of cinnamon and toasted almonds.

After polishing off mains, we caved and ordered dessert (after all, we were going to walk it off, right?). First attempting to order a slice of ginger cake, we were told they were sold out, so we decided to move on to a slice of chocolate mousse cake. We polished the whole thing off in no time at all - it was light yet rich, and perfectly chocolatey.

We both enjoyed our visit to Parkallen, but despite it's closeness, I'm not sure it will become a regular destination. With so many spots around 109th St. just minutes away, the temptation to head north versus south towards a more varied selection of cafes and eateries is incredibly enticing.

Parkallen Restaurant
7018 109 St.
780.436.8080

Hours: