Philadelphia, PA
- In the restaurant world, no matter how trendy or gourmet a spot is, if you offer an awesome burger, it is going to ultimately turn out to be a best-seller! So in the unique world of Middle Eastern cooking, we have, Hommus, Babaghanuj, Tabouli, Dolmades, Tzatziki, Feta/Olives, Falafel, Gyros and Pita. But is there a burger on the menu?
Philly's Lebanese Kafta Dog and Middle Eastern Hamburger
According to Amin Bitar, second-generation owner of Philadelphia's authentic Middle Eastern grocery store and casual eatery, "There indeed is a burger on the menu at his 45-year running sandwich and platter counter now open for lunch and dinner until 8 pm."
"The Kafta is the Middle Eastern Hamburger, but people don't recognize it because it is often served on a skewer or in a pita," says Amin.
To drive home the message that additional non-traditional specialties represented on the Bitar's menu, Amin is now promoting the Lebanese Kafta Dog, lean ground beef mixed with onion, parsley and seasoned with cayenne, allspice, salt, and pepper. Rolled lengthwise, such as on a skewer, and served on a pita with Hummus and topped with a Sumac, Parsley and raw onion salad. Alternatively, The Kafta dog served on a toasted hot dog bun with Tzatziki and an Israeli salad (diced cucumber, tomato salad) topping. ($ 7.95)
Moreover, while Amin is playing with the Bitar's menu -- even providing a selection of Middle Eastern variations of Poutine, the Canadian comfort food favorite, as repeating menu specials, he will pay respect to the food tradition he was introduced to by introducing a continuing series of his mother Mariette Bitar's dishes.
