Green Falafel Revolution

Green Falafel is a new diner concept that recently opened off the Jal el Dib main highway. It is the brainchild of Christine Assouad Sfeir, CEO of Meeting Point (Dunkin Donuts Lebanon) as well as Treats Holding (Semsom). I'd been reading for some time about Green Falafel's culinary philosophy, which is to offer an unprecedented grilled falafel wrap, as well as its broader social responsibility, to make it eco-friendly. Always on the prowl for a new food adventure, we fixed on trying it yesterday.

The restaurant proposes a classic falafel sandwich--fried or grilled--in a pita (2,750LL), in sajj bread (3,500LL), or in a soft bun (4,500LL). You can also decide to make it your way for a small additional cost, where you select a preferred sauce (tarator, hummus, etc.) and filling (cheese, sauteed eggplant, etc.). The menu features grilled falafel burgers with a variety of toppings, as well as a signature fajita sandwich (6,500LL) concocted from the falafel mix.

We placed our order for grilled falafel sajj wraps and sunk into the comfortable divan lining one wall of the restaurant. From this vantage point, we could admire the interior decor, which shares its space with a Dunkin Donuts bar. The furniture appears to be derived from recycled or environmentally-friendly material, with wooden tables and chairs. Behind us was a chalkboard covered in interesting tidbits about the green outlet, which donates 5% of each Monday's revenue to Jouzour Loubnan, an NGO promoting reforestation. I later discovered that Green Falafel recycles its food and packaging waste daily, in an effort to support the Zero Waste Act.

Our wraps arrived, each on its own tray, and we quickly dug right in. The falafel patties are thick and substantial, grilled to a very subtle crunch and cut into halves of a circle. The right dose of tarator, pickled horseradish, tomato and parsley accompany the falafel, which is wrapped in tasty sajj bread that avoids the sogginess of the traditional pita. Every bite delivered and satisfied. In fact, it was my first light-on-the-stomach falafel experience, and it only fueled my hunger further!

Mrs. Sfeir has done something wonderful here: she's restored healthfulness to falafel by chucking the frying oil, and she's demonstrated commitment to the environment, even if it means foregoing some profits. I salute her on these noble achievements and will help do my part by enjoying a falafel wrap every now and then!


Comments

  1. There's this new italian restaurant called Villagio Piccolo which opened in Kantari next to Future TV. Did you try it yet?

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    Replies
    1. I don't know ^^ I'm planning on going there soon but I didn't find any review online yet - I thought you might have tried it ^^

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    2. I didn't even know it'd opened up for business! I've passed by it a few times earlier this month and it seemed it was in the final stages of construction.

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    3. First review I've seen: www.beirut.com/l/21694

      A friend also gave it a go and found it very tasty. I think it's the setting though that's the real selling point!

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    4. Mohamed, if you've still not gotten around to trying Villaggio, here's a comprehensive review:

      www.executive-magazine.com/consumer-society/Villaggio-restaurant-Beirut-review/5625

      Personally, I recommend Basilic in maameltein for a proper Neapolitan pizza. With pastas, The Peninsula is reliably good. Villaggio doesn't sound to be exceptional.

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