Ordering the same old dishes from Putnam's quickly looses its luster for students yearning to escape the traditional foods that campus life has to offer.
Byblos, a friendly neighborhood Lebanese restaurant, located on Campbell Blvd. just off Millersport Highway, is the ideal spot for those who are not afraid to enjoy a different, mouth-watering dining experience.
While the restaurant appears to be nothing special on the outside, patrons should not be fooled. This family-owned restaurant blends in with the neighboring houses, making it a diamond in the rough. Inside the eatery, students can expect a relaxed atmosphere created by carefully defined decorations and a welcoming staff.
Once inside, customers enjoy a comfortable and homey atmosphere. There is representative of Lebanese culture throughout the restaurant, with special plates mounted on the walls and a beautiful glass counter filled with extraordinary gold miniature statues. Behind the counter is a solid, carved gold mirror that compliments the front entrance. The restaurant is surrounded by a beautiful, strong wooden trim.
The dining room is located downstairs and is the picture of formality. Tablecloths, napkins, and silverware are elegantly set in place and ready for use. While heading to the dining room, customers pass the copious wooden bar, offering a wide variety of available drinks. Across from the bar is a waiting area that consists of three exquisite, yet cozy, chairs that supplement the family atmosphere.
A wheel sits in the center of the room, creatively decorated with different colored wine bottles, and acts as an attention-grabbing barrier that separates the dining room from the bar area. This unique display is a focal point for customers.
An extensive menu allows for the satisfaction of any individual, no matter how picky. In addition to Lebanese cuisine, Byblos serves everything from salads and sandwiches to burgers and fish.
Food preparation is distinct and exceptional, as a large portion of the menu, including items as minute as soup, are made at the time they are ordered. Wait time is slightly increased due to this "made to order" policy, but well worth it.
According to Amin Abilmona, restaurant manager, menu prices are very competitive and satisfactory, especially for students. Customers are able to enjoy a fulfilling lunch for an average price of $7.00 or a complete dinner from $12.00 to $15.00.
"One thing we emphasize is our portion sizes," Abilimona said. "I can guarantee nobody leaves here hungry."
The staff takes pride in being a big family, and they believe the restaurant is their home away from home.
"I live here, and therefore, eat here about six days a week," Abilmona said. "To be honest, even though I am a picky eater, I enjoy all of the meals prepared in this restaurant."
According to Abilmona, some of his favorites include the falafel, hummus, and the tabouli and fatoush salads.
"I absolutely love the fatoush here, I eat it all the time, and it is by far very filling and appetizing," Abilmona said.
A simple yet tasteful appetizer students should consider starting with is the hummus tahini. It is a traditional Middle Eastern dip, made with garbanzo beans and sesame seed paste, mixed with fresh garlic and lemon juice, and topped with a touch of olive oil. This is the perfect appetizer for a small party, as it is easily shared and frequently enjoyed.
If interested in a light meal, the Middle Eastern sandwiches offered on the menu are the perfect choice, especially if the customer is looking for a subtle difference in taste. Falafel is one of the most popular sandwiches and will not be a disappointment to anyone looking to try something new.
For an unforgettable and addicting plate, customers may want to try the stuffed grape leaves (waraj inab); hand-rolled and stuffed with a mixture of rice, parsley, tomatoes, and onions with the right touch of lemon juice and olive oil.
"Our combination platters are a customer favorite. Customers are allowed to pick two dishes of their choice and they are served with an endless amount of pita bread, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles," Abilmona said.
The combo platter is filling enough to feed two customers and is offered with either two choices for $9.75 or three choices for just under $13.00.
According to Abilmona, this restaurant is rumored to have the best homemade rice pudding in the area. Their rice pudding is flavored with orange blossom and rose water. Other scrumptious desserts, such as baklava and ladyfingers, are available for $1.50 while brownie sundaes are available for the less adventurous.
Students looking to expand their horizons and taste something delightfully diverse should not let the opportunity to dine at Byblos escape them. The Lebanese restaurant is open Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
