I spotted this new Lebanese restaurant downtown on 107 Street. The name, Chateau Beirut, caught my eye. I could understand the Beirut/Mediterranean Cuisine connection, but where does the “Chateau” fit in? The quick explanation: After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Lebanon was placed under the French Mandate and still retains a large francophone population to this day. Thank you, Wikipedia.
On first walking in to the restaurant, nothing in the decor suggests of any Middle Eastern, Mediterranean or French connection. Everything is very modern and very North American.
I was getting an “oh-oh” sort of feeling and that feeling intensified when, on the menu, I spied French fries, hot wings, and…quesadillas.
Quesadillas?
The owner, Farouk, came over to answer my questions. When he came to Canada in the 70s, he opened Chateau Beirut on Jasper Ave. Quesadillas — which would’ve been quite exotic back in the day — were his best selling item. Despite my frowning and protestations to the contrary, he’s certain they’ll still be a hot ticket today. He explained that wings are offered as street food in Beirut. Okay, I’ll let him get away with the wing theory – especially the Beirut wings (lemon, garlic, parsley and olive oil)…but teriyaki and hot wings?
When Farouk told me that he wants to keep kids happy by offering French fries, I said “Ach! Make ’em eat falafel!” You know, when in Beirut…
Farouk has a great sense of humour and soon he was showing us how to properly tear the pita bread and how to drizzle the olive oil. At his insistence, we agreed to try the hummus. I’m glad he was adamant about this dish; it was silky smooth in texture, not overpowered by garlic, and topped with a most exquisite olive oil.
I was in a Lebanese restaurant, hungry for Lebanese food and I’d be danged if I was going to eat Caesar salad and quesadillas. Here’s what we ordered, starting with three appetizers:
Chankleesh: Aged cheese mixed with thyme and chilies, served with tomato, onion and parsley. Delicious – especially when topped with a beautiful, fruity Lebanese olive oil. $6.50
Sojok: Spicy sausages cooked with sweet charred onions and tomatoes–a great combination. $6.50
White Beans – marinated in lemon, garlic, olive oil. Wowza. Served room temp, perfect texture, this dish was a standout. $6.50
As for mains, we went with two:
Beef shawarma – marinated beef with pickled turnips, vegetables and tahini sauce wrapped in a soft, warm pita. The picture doesn’t do it justice. I’ve had bigger shawarmas, but none as tasty. $8
And, the shish kabob platter. Tender beef, geat flavours, the plate is bigger than what the photo suggests. I took lots of leftovers home.
We were stuffed and happy, and totally charmed by Farouk. We passed on the hookah pipe, but said yes to the homemade baklava:
It was the perfect ending to a very good and enjoyable meal — light, crispy and devoid of goopy honey so cloying in many baklavas.
You can listen to my CBC Edmonton AM review of Chateau Beirut here, but if you go to the restaurant, make sure you spend some time talking to Farouk. He’s a character, and a gem, and I’ve already forgiven him for the quesadilla thing.
Chateau Beirut
10185 107 Street
Edmonton, AB
780-756-7678
I’m going to have to try this place out… been looking for a place with good hummus for a while now.
And i’m a sucker for wings, in just about any flavour.
Hey Baconhound…
Let me know how those wings are… I’m curious about the Beirut-style ones. Thx for the note!
I was in there today at 1pm, I was supposed to meet my friends for lunch… And we walked out.
They have a HELP WANTED sign on every window. Only one kid (literally) working the floor and tills, told me to pick any table I wanted but only a couple of clean tables around and not big enough for our party of four, the poor kid running one plate of food at the time to each table and just couldn’t catch a breath. I could tell the tables in there had been waiting to be looked after and people were just not having a good experience. The owner came out of the kitchen, and didn’t look worried or busy trying to help, he just went back to the kitchen again.
The place has really big ceilings and it feels really cold in there, not homy in any way and it didn’t help that the music was off.
I will not go back and it makes me think this is why he keep opening restaurants all over the place and nothing seems to be successful.
oh dear, Maurin…what a disappointment to hear about your experience. Not a good way to start 🙁
You’ve given me new reason to go there…one of those places that I’ve walked by and wanted to try. Lovely photos too.
Thanks Liv…I hope your experience is a good one. I think there might be a few growing pains, but I’d go back for those white beans and hummus in a heartbeat.