Kibbeh nayeh

Published on: Friday, April 02, 2010

By Jimmy Kayrouz

The problem with most "authentic" ethnic restaurants is that they aren't so authentic. Many have been Americanized to appeal to the restaurant-going public.

Happily this is not the case with Kababji Grill, the newest local Lebanese restaurant. From the granite floors to the  Lebanese bricks that adorn the front entrance and kitchen area - this is the real deal. When you walk into the restaurant, you're literally walking on Lebanese soil.

"We figure if you want beef cooked the American way, you can go anywhere. Here you get authentic Lebanese cooking," said chief operating officer Sam Najjar.

Grilled meat

Luckily for those with discriminating tastes, Kababji not only gets it right, but delivers it with a flair.

Few Lebanese restaurants will try to serve kibbeh-nayeh, the raw meat, steak tartar entrée that is the cornerstone of the Lebanese diet - let alone get the dish right.

Kababji does, offering the dish in a northern - milder, style and southern - hotter, style. There are many ways to get this dish wrong - too much cracked wheat, too little, too much seasoning or not enough. But Kababji absolutely hits this right out of the ball park. Northern or Southern style, either way, you're in for a great evening of pleasure with the dish.

Served with onions, garlic and olive oil, along with homemade pita bread, you won't find a better dish of kibbeh-nayeh anywhere in the D.C. area unless you know how to make it yourself.

The inside of the restaurant is authentically Lebanese

The entire menu at Kabab-ji is aimed at the health-conscious, whether you're dieting or just desirous of "eating right."

The menu won't let you go wrong.

The kabob is some of the tastiest in the area, and the hummus is a far-cry from what you'll get in the ethnic section of your local Safeway.

Service is charming and efficient, and intent on re-creating the friendliness that is a hallmark of an authentic Lebanese experience.

There isn't a weak spot on the menu either. Authentic Lebanese liquor is served over ice and packs a punch you won't forget.

But the kebab, grape leaves and tabbouleh are also noteworthy not only for their tastiness, but the proportions offered.

You won't leave the restaurant hungry, no matter what you order, and you won't regret visiting it either.

Visiting this little slice of Lebanese heaven won't kill your pocket book either. Most items are moderately priced, and if you bring a family you can choose a platter that's not only cost-effective, but very enjoyable.

There is but one caveat to enjoying Kabab-ji; there's little parking on Connecticut Avenue at any time of the day, so plan your trip wisely.

Take the Metro to Dupont Circle and walk a block or so. You won't regret the decision.

If you choose to drive, Najjar says he’ll soon have valet parking, so that problem could take care of itself.

Kababji Grill

1351 Connecticut Ave.

D.C.

www.kabab-ji-usa.com

202-822-8999