Tryst’s labneh dip with za’atar, lavash and olives (Kat Lucero) Dish of the week: Labneh
Where: Tryst Coffeehouse and Bar, Agora and Muncheez Mania
A dish I’ve come to fancy lately is labneh. A staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurants and other eateries with a penchant for small dishes, it is usually served as an appetizer, dip, mezze (small plate) or simply as an ingredient for sandwiches. The fare bears many other names, such as yogurt cheese, strained yogurt, chaka and Greek yogurt, but perhaps this is a reflection of its versatility.
Labneh is basically yogurt removed of its whey. Straining the milk serum creates a texture that’s richer than the yogurt many of us are accustomed to in the states. As a dish, it’s best enjoyed with olive oil and pita bread or tangy crackers.
My first labneh experience at Tryst Coffeehouse in Adams Morgan was a delicious diversion to the fruit, cheese and crackers platter (with all due to respect to this classic nibble). I typically order it with drinks at lounges such as Tryst, where the dish was drizzled aptly with olive oil and za’tar (oregano and thyme spices) and accompanied with olives and lots of flatbread called lavash.
A brunch gathering at Agora last Sunday granted me the opportunity to experience a daintier version of labneh, one that was topped with diced apples and walnuts and garnished with endives. The warm side of pita was a good dipping aid and the bottomless mimosa special was definitely a bonus. It was also at this Mediterranean venue where I learned that labneh can morph into cacık or tzatziki, which is strained yogurt mixed with cucumbers, vinegar, garlic and spices such as dill, mint and/or pepper.
At Muncheez Mania, labneh is used as a spread in its flatbread and pita sandwiches. The wild thyme oven-baked sandwich is one of my favorites and serves as a perfect quick bite or late night grub after gallivanting in Georgetown.
Small bites
Happy 20th Birthday, Pizza Paradiso!
All next week, Pizza Paradiso will be offering special deals and giveaways at its three
locations. The celebratory theme of 20 means $20 take-out orders on a small and large pizza combo, a complimentary 20th Anniversary beer mug, $20 all you can eat and drink (selected) beer and much more. Check Pizza Paradiso’s website for more details.
Food Fight!
Top D.C.-area chefs will compete in the annual Capital Food Fight, an Iron Chef-like competition on November 10 at 6 p.m. Pearl Dive Oyster Palace and Black Salt’s Jeff Black, Todd Gray of Equinox, Haidar Karoum of Proof and Estadio and Blue Duck Tavern’s Brian McBride will take on the challenge of whipping up dishes based on the secret ingredient. Jose Andres and Anthony Bourdain are this year’s hosts with Ted Allen, Ming Tsai and Joan Nathan as judges. Tickets are $200, and proceeds will go to D.C. Central Kitchen. For more information or purchase tickets, visit the competition’s Website.
A Cuban Missile burger, anyone?
BLT Steak House’s Burger Board has launched a new slew of politically-themed burgers, including the Bi Partisan burger (made with Kobe beef, Maine lobster, white cheddar and black truffle buttermilk dressing) and the Cuban Missile burger (seared Spiced CAB burger, ham, swiss and yellow mustard aioli). The Burger Board menu is available from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. throughout the restaurant. For a full list of the items, visit BLT’s Website.
Power lunch
Penn Quarter’s Fiola is now offering busy worker bees an everchanging-changing quick-bite menu called Presto! at the bar from Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For $15, guests can chose an entrée and beverage.
