INGOOD TASTE
Adele Fayad , Owner and Chef , Laziz Lebanese Cuisine
Candid conversations with the dining scene ’ s most engaging chefs
Laziz Lebanese Cuisine 615 Washington Road , Mt . Lebanon ; 412.668.3044 , lazizlebanesecuisine . com
On the Menu : Authentic and traditional Lebanese fare includes entrees such as the Kafta Dinner made of ground sirloin , mixed parsley , onions and spices served on a bed of rice with a side of tomato sauce ; the Gyro Dinner with grilled gyro meat served on a bed of rice ; tender Lamb Shank with drizzled tomato sauce ; Falafel Dinner featuring six freshly fried falafel balls with a side of tahini sauce ; Meat Moussaka featuring eggplant , onions , zucchini , potatoes and ground sirloin simmered in a special white sauce ; and Baked Kibbe Dinner featuring a mixture of beef , cracked wheat , and herbs , stuffed with sauteed beef , onions and pine nuts .
All entrees are served on a bed of rice , with a side of tomato sauce , pita bread and a house salad . The Middle Eastern menu also includes appetizers , wraps , soup , salads , a la carte items and desserts such as baklava , farina , marble cake , rice pudding and coconut biscuits .
What led you to open Laziz Lebanese Cuisine ? It ’ s been my dream to open my own restaurant . For about 12 to 15 years I ’ ve been trying to make this happen and I opened April 4 this year . I come from a big family with two brothers and five sisters and we all know how to cook . My siblings own restaurants around the city , and I ’ ve worked for them at their restaurants . Also , my husband , Licha , works as the sous chef at LeMont in Mt . Washington . Our sons Licha , Jr ., Joey and Antoine help at the restaurant ( our eldest , Georgio , has passed away ). When you see your kids with you and see how excited the family can be , it ’ s a wonderful feeling . I love to have them around me .
Adele Fayad , Owner and Chef , Laziz Lebanese Cuisine .
What does Laziz mean in Lebanese ? It describes food that is delicious and tasty .
Who has influenced your cooking the most ? My mother , Marianna . When I was little my mother would cook a large meal in one pot . We would eat for three days . Her cooking was a blessing . She would make hummus with chickpeas , baked kibbe and shawarma . Everything she would cook we would love .
What kitchen tool can ’ t you live without ? My knife and apron .
What ’ s your best advice for a novice ? My best advice is to cook from your heart . I love to cook , and I can ’ t see hiring a chef because I love what I do .
What ’ s your favorite quick meal to prepare at home ? My family loves when I make homemade marinated chicken .
Other than Laziz Lebanese Cuisine , where is your favorite place to eat ? Our family likes Fiori ’ s Pizzaria in McMurray — the pizza is good there .
What ’ s your favorite go-to ingredient ? My special spices make all the difference in my cooking . Specifically , black pepper is always a needed ingredient .
What ’ s the next big food or dining trend ? Trends don ’ t really mean a lot to me . I go with my instinct and I do what is right for me . n
— Reese Randall
A colorful plate of Fattoush made of finely chopped parsley , tomatoes , red onions , red cabbage and cucumbers tossed with lettuce .
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