Those looking for an authentic taste of the Middle East might consider heading to Florissant. Kaslik Restaurant opened its doors last Friday at 8141 N. Lindbergh Blvd., at the intersection of Manresa Lane. The restaurant is a project by chef-owner Wesam Hamed (pictured below).
Hamed’s menu features more than 20 cold and hot appetizers. Build-your-own mezes are available with such offerings as: hummus (served in the tradition of Hamed’s native Jerusalem with a garnish of olive oil, a spoonful of whole chickpeas and a sprinkle of sumac), labneh (thick Arabic yogurt drizzled with olive oil and garnished with mint), warek inab (rice-stuffed grape leaves), kabis (pickled vegetables), makdous (baby eggplant stuffed with walnuts and garlic), and foul moudames (a stew of fava beans, tomatoes, garlic and spices).
Among the 10 entrees, diners will find chicken, lamb, beef and shrimp dishes. The mixed grill plate of shish tawuk (chicken marinated in garlic, lemon juice and spices), beef kefta and shrimp is a nice way to sample multiple dishes, as is a veggie platter that holds a chef’s selection of five meze items. All entrees are served with a side salad and the majority come with Basmati rice. The lunch crowd will find a handful of easy grab-and-go items such as beef shawarma (pictured) or falafel wrapped in pita. Beverages include Arabic coffee, hot mint tea, fresh orange juice, carrot juice, lemon juice, as well as soft drinks.
The dining area is tiny – there are just five two-top tables – but the tight quarters make for easy conversation with Hamed and his friendly staff of two behind the counter. (If language is another sign of authenticity, note that English is not the predominant language spoken by the majority of Kaslik clientele.) The restaurant is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. A website (kaslikstl.com) and Facebook page are expected to launch by mid-February.
This article appears in January 2013.