Less than two weeks after the previous tenant, Himalayan Kitchen, shut its doors, the restaurant space at 2255 NE 65th Street is (nearly) ready to open to customers once again.
Welcome to the neighborhood, Harissa Mediterranean Cuisine.
I talked with Harissa’s front-of-the-house man, Denzel, this afternoon about the new restaurant, and the food (Lebanese, by chef and owner Walid Alabtan), and he’s very excited. One might say he’s giddy.
They are celebrating the grand opening weekend with a 2-for-1 special (bring the flyer to redeem the deal; good through Sunday, November 7th). They’ve canvassed my part of the neighborhood already, but if you haven’t yet received your flyer, Denzel said to stop by the restaurant tomorrow, after 11 am, to pick one up.
Harissa will be open for lunch and dinner, Tuesdays through Sundays, from 11:30am-10:30pm.
Oh, and, would you like to see a menu?
Click on the image to open it to full size (big file)
Denzel said that they’re happy do to-go orders, but to please give the restaurant at least a 30 minute lead time, especially this first week. The phone number is (206) 588-0650.
Beer and wine will also be available.
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UPDATE (Thursday, Nov. 4): Interview post with chef and owner Walid Alabtan is here:” Harissa: A chat with chef and owner Walid Alabtan.”
I hope to speak with chef and owner Walid tomorrow, if he’s available. (As you can imagine, everybody’s pretty busy over there at this time.)
Wow, those prices are High! The lamb kabobs starting at almost $17, I wonder what I would get with that?
I thought about that, too. There are accompanying sides that go with, listed up at the top of the kabob section. For comparison, I just looked up the kabob prices at both Vios and Kabul, the Afghan restaurant in Wallingford. Vios is a little less, and Kabul is a little more. http://www.vioscafe.com/menus/ravenna_dinner.htmlhttp://www.kabulrestaurant.com/menu.html#kebabsKabob Challenge, anyone?
They are expensive, but, as you point out, in line with what Kabul charges. You’ll pay close to that at the Caspian Grill on the Ave. and at Karam’s on 15th. Souvlaki at a place like the Continental or Costas will be cheaper.
Okay now, giving some serious thought to a Kabob Throwdown now.
Super excited!!!!
Harissa now has belly dancing shows monthly on Saturdays. Check with the restaurant for the schedule. Mellilah will be performing on Saturday, Feb 26th with guest dancers and live band, Naseem! Show begins at 9:30pm. Visit http://www.mellilah.com for more information. 🙂