ZYARA AT DIX-TRENTE IN BROSSARD

 I am happy that a trek last year to the 10-30 became a tradition when my friend and I made a repeat visit this year. It was a little cold for the summer dress I was wearing, but we warmed up quickly in the resto that my friend suggested for lunch. A new Lebanese place on the second floor, the menu for the lunch looked good, so we took the elevator up and walked in.

I had just come from two weeks in Europe, and was happily reminded of the decorating skills in the the castles and hotels of Austria and Bavaria. It was a little like entering a harem in a fantasy Arabian nights kind of way. The decorating started in a bright colourful mirrored lobby, with mother of pearl mosaic tile on the floor.  The restaurant was filled with repeating colours and matching furniture. There were minaret silhouettes, and arabesque shapes on the walls and in mirrors. It was interesting and rich and luxurious.

They brought out a platter or warm fat pitas to dip into an oil dressing with sumac and sesame while we perused the menus, and we were in foodie heaven. The table was set with Villeroy and Boch flatware. The soup came out in a bowl that was designed to sit on the plate, and I realized that the key to a great lentil soup is to use less than I usually do! It was creamy and the crispy pita croutons were generous giving a great texture without being too starchy. I couldn't help but say yes to a second round of pita (they looked small but they were filling!), but when I got my mezze platter, containing a beautiful hummus and requiring a third pita, I was too full to say anything but no!

I  hadn't really understood that there was a Middle Eastern version of hors d'oeuvre or tapas or dim sum or thali or antipasti, but as a vegetarian, it was a real treat to discover this tradition of small dishes. I  really enjoyed the variety.

I liked the wish, Sehteyn. It reminds me of a Lebanese friend who had a greeting for everything. I had a good appetite for this meal, and I couldn't finish it. I think it's the first time I actually had to send back the dessert!

My most surprising adventures were in the drinks; both new to me; both I had never heard of before! The liquorice tasting milky liquor was called Al Shallal (Arak) was the start, and white coffee (hot water with a rose water flavour) was the finale.

Lentil soup

(Clockwise from upper left) Rice stuffed vine leaves, hummus, salad, couscous and veggie taguine, spinach stuffed kebbeh,  deep-fried  cheese pastries