“Good Food- Good Mood” is the motto at That Lebanese Place and it is fitting for a restaurant that so artfully
uses the pungent spices of the Middle East. A few years ago, I learned to gain
focus with the scents and spices of the region through scent meditation. Now,
the complicated marriage between scent and taste automatically creates a
calming effect on me. Good Mood? Yes! No doubt, I’m nothing more than Pavlov’s
dog. Still it’s wonderful to experience the seductive exotic blends right here
at a small café in the middle of the United States.
Located in the historical business district on Commercial
Street, the décor is simple, maintaining the building’s historic originality. However,
the Lebanese culture is ever present through a few scattered artifacts, onscreen
music, and the faint scent of fascinating spices. The simple construction of
the half-circle booths is clever and charming opposite the large bar
constructed of dark wood with cushioned retro bar stools that add function and
a comforting feeling to the space.
Our waitress was very busy yet, delightful and helpful with
our questions about the menu. The servers at any restaurant are often an undervalued
intermediator between the establishment and the patrons. In an ethnic setting that person becomes an
even greater asset or liability. Especially in areas where many ethnic foods
are only recently becoming available this short encounter can be a make or
break moment.
Taste is complex, a combination of our physical composition
and our acquired and/or learned relationship with flavors. Much like most of
our relationships it can drastically change over time. If you don’t like a
particular food wait a few years and try it again; you just might be surprised.
Flavors of the Middle East are pungent, even active. Many of the spices tingle and tickle the
tongue. The feeling gives new meaning to the trend known as “eating with
purpose.” It can be quite enjoyable. That
Lebanese Place is the perfect atmosphere and menu for purposeful
eating. The food is not overpowering,
but the flavors are ever present.
We began our meal with an appetizer of stuffed grape leaves.
Tightly wrapped in a pickled grape leaf is a mixture of rice and vegetables. Pleasingly served; they are tangy and
delicious reminiscent of a mild dill pickle.
My guest had marinated chicken, Lebanese pickles, and
vegetables wrapped in a pita with seasoned hand-cut French fries. Unlike many
pita breads, this was thin, much like a crepe.
Lightly browned, it wore an appetizing appearance. Reportedly, the pita
was very good and we both enjoyed the unique flavor of the fries.
The red lentil soup was thick and seasoned with a wonderful
blend of spices. I’m guessing the recipe
includes traditional Lebanese Seven Spice. We both enjoyed the undertone of
nutmeg and allspice. The meat was
deliciously chewy and the beef kabobs mimicked the mild flavored spices used in the soup.
The dish came with a traditional rice
that is packed with flavor, but dryer than most.
I highly recommend the restaurant and the experience and
please check out their affordable prices and menu online.
Lebanese Seven Spice Mixture
1 tablespoon finely ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground Ginger
Mix together and store in a tight container.
Today, many do it well, but no one blends the flavors,
atmosphere, and genuine customer service better than Yoshi Jen. The sleek
understated furnishings allow the feeling of sunshine to radiate from the pale
yellow walls while tiny pastel metallic tiles add the reflection. The small
restaurant could easily serve as a model of positive Feng-Sui. Yoshi Jen is proof
positive that Asian inspired food does not require diners to eat in the dark. This
establishment might be the cleanest I have had the pleasure of patronizing.
Even the floor is spotless. Yoshi Jen is a happy place. 
