Leila's Restaurant and Belly Dancer

For Valentines Day we went to a Syrian restaurant with our friends the Fleischers and the Sharfsteins. Dorothy, whose heritage is Sephardic, and whose family enjoyed middle-eastern food and entertainment, was our guide to the food and customs. We really enjoyed the different tastes and ambience. You can see the menu on-line at Leila’s.

We ordered, and shared, a number of "Mezzes" - a Syrian tapas. They included:

• Hommous - a chickpea pate.
• Baba Ghanouj - smoked eggplant dip.
• Falafel - chickpea croquettes.
• Kibbe - fried beef kneaded with burgha wheat, sauteed onion, and toasted pinenuts.
• Jibnee Mishwieh - grilled halloumi cheese.
• Feta Puffs - petite fried feta cheese pastries scented with mint.
• Hommous Bi Lahmeh - topped with sizzling minced meat and toasted pine nuts.
• Ma anek - spiced sausages with Port and pinenuts.
  

For entrees we ordered various types of lamb, beef, chicken and shrimp kebobs. Everyone enjoyed their dishes, but I thought the lamb I ordered was the best. The small pieces of meat remained tender after grilling. All were served with grilled veggies and couscous or rice. The couscous served at room temperature was a surprise to some of us but tasty with rasins, nuts and peppers.

We didn't have dessert but Barry and I had turkish coffee that was delicious - dark, thick, strong and sweet. They offered a Hookah or Arguileh (waterpipe), filled with tobacco (a smooth, molasses-fused blend with the fruitiness of apples, apricots, mint and cherries). We did not try it because you had to smoke outside and it was cold that night. I have read that these water-pipes are very trendy in NY right now.

Zagats says;
It's always a fun night at this downtown West Palm Beach Middle Eastern, which feels straight out of the most chic South Beach hotel, complete with sophisticated, helpful service; as for food,it's fresh, tasty and prepared with style., though some complain of “big prices for small portions”; P.S. check out the “cute outdoor seating” area and “entertaining belly dancing” on some nights, and hookah-smokers can indulge on the patio.

Leila’s
120 S. Dixie Hwy. (Datura St.)
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-659-7373