May 9, 2008

Middle Eastern Promises

Zikrayet Restaurant Opens

Bored Girlfriend: Let’s go out tomorrow night. I need some excitement.

Hungry Boyfriend: For food? I’m in.

BG: I want more than dinner. I want music, cocktails, a lounge, maybe even outdoor seating.

HB: Babe, what about the food?

BG: Well, if we head to Zikrayet, the Lebanese restaurant that opens tomorrow night, we can have everything I want and as much food as you can stomach. We’ll fill up on mezze like garlic- and coriander-marinated wings, fava beans with chickpeas and tabbouleh. If you’re really hungry, there’s a whole rockfish with cilantro and pine nuts or a mixed grill with garlic.

HB: I’m sold, but is that enough adventure for you?

BG: Once you’re full, we’re off to the lounge, where they’ll have a DJ spinning international and house music. The lounge serves hookah, custom cocktails, and, if you’re still hungry, bar snacks.

HB: Hookah me up.

Zikrayet, 540 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria (703-838-2008 or zikrayet.com).