Yara: Ancient Flavors, Lebanese Style
SOURCE: PATCH.COM
BY: PAMELA GOLDMAN
At Yara, an authentic Lebanese restaurant, they pride themselves on
creating everything from scratch for an overall fresh taste made of the finest ingredients. I arrived with my dining partner, Jane, who has been a
vegetarian for most of her life. Looking at the menu, at least half
of the dishes are devoted to both vegetarian and vegan customers.
They even cook the dishes in separate ovens from those with meat.
Fortunately for us, manager Mo generously chose our food selections
and really wowed us by the flavors with a huge assortment of truly
craft Lebanese cooking.
Opened in January of 2019, the place was buzzing with excitement. The
interior was modern and elegant, boasting of three working fireplaces
as well as candlelit tables. Owned by Lebanese expat, Jacob Harb,
Yara is most definitely a family project. Previously, Mr. Harb was a
vice president at the luxury car brand, Porsche. His new, posh
restaurant is also a collaboration with his uncle, Paul Hobeika and
Norman Hobeika and is inspired by his Lebanese upbringing.
Lebanese food is all about community, hospitality and vitality. “All
the food is healthy and meant to be shared. It’s the ideal way to
eat. I decided to launch a Lebanese restaurant because I wanted to
share all of those traits with the world,” states Mr Harb.
Starting with a house-made strawberry lemonade, infused with fresh
mint, we began our alimentary journey. Laid before us was a plethora
of appetizers that the manager selected, half being vegetarian. Our
eyes were captivated by the beauty of the food, so delicately
prepared introducing us to a large array of tasting experiences.
Among the appetizers was Fattoush, a salad made from greens, tomato,
scallion, chips of fried pita bread and a light dressing. We also had
grape leaves stuffed with rice, tomato and parsley. Even the grape
leaves themselves were freshly picked from the owner’s garden in
Yonkers. But the appetizers didn’t end there. We were given plates
of Kibbe. The meat version was made with beef, cracked wheat, walnuts
and pine nuts. The vegetarian Kibbe was made from pumpkin, cracked
wheat, spinach and walnuts. Jane described these morsels as “perfect
teardrops in the shape they were made.” Hummus and wonderful
falafel were in the mix as well. Who could fathom that two skinny NYC
critiques could even come close to finishing this cornucopia of
flavors yet this was just the first course!
For our main courses, I ordered the Filet Mignon Kebab which had a
fantastic char on it. The meat was very tender and the exquisite
presentation was beautiful to all the senses. Every detail of the
night revealed Chef Refeat Husseini’s expertise. Partner Jane had the
Okra main course, a vegetable dear to her heart. It was sauteed with
tomatoes and served with rice.
We were so full and each of us left with an entire bag of leftovers
which also included a dessert serving of Baklava dusted with ground
pistachio. The food was both mesmerizing and bountiful. The flavors
seemed almost ancient in design. Described as posh, swanky and chic,
Yara is definitely a hot spot highlighting a healthy Mediterranean
lifestyle. I am sure you will experience the love and brilliance of
their cuisine just as we did….a memorable night indeed!