The five best, and heavenly, things I ate at New Jersey’s huge Lebanese Festival

I may inform the meals was from my neck of the woods whereas approaching St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Somerset on Friday. I detected the essence of Mashwi (Shish Kabob), blended with a little bit of … wait … no it may possibly’t be! Do I scent momma’s kitchen? The essence was a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, sumac, cardamom, and Arabian goodness unmatched within the tristate space, or the world over.

Generally known as Mahrajan, the thirty sixth Annual Lebanese Pageant will provide 1000’s this weekend genuine Center Japanese meals, music, dance, and tradition.

The pageant was born out of the parishioner’s need to rejoice historical Lebanese tradition and traditions which have survived by means of the ages. Wars persevered in Lebanon for a few years, however the folks refused to present in, responding with group celebrations and household traditions.

Now, to the meals.

Word: They made me eat! After the primary falafel sandwich, I mentioned I used to be full, however they stored handing me extra meals, and to not devour it might have been impolite — the one motive I continued consuming!

The 5:

1. Falafel: The very first thing that was thrust into my hand was a falafel sandwich — the Center Japanese hamburger. Let me inform you: What I tasted yesterday was so genuine, I used to be afraid to shut my eyes and open them to see the mountains of Lebanon. I imply, who would feed my neighbor’s cat in Cranford? The patty was smooth inside, golden and crisp on the surface. The Tarator sauce was made with easy Tahini plus the correct quantity of garlic and lemon, and the pita wrap was recent and attractive.

2. Shawarma: It’s known as Gyro right here, however actually? After taking one chew, the get together in my mouth kicked off, and I imply a full-blown get together with a stay band and a disco ball. The meat was tender and grilled to perfection, and the sauce was flavorful. I noticed folks ending their shawarma sandwich and going for seconds. I noticed children asking their momma for a chew, and her turning like she didn’t hear them. OK, that final one was made up, however it may have occurred.

3. Spinach Pie: My momma used to make these small triangles crammed with spinach, pomegranate, and different secret elements. This one was so near momma’s, I’m afraid to put in writing any extra in case she sees this text. OK, perhaps simply this: The spinach was crammed with taste, and the dough was smooth and flaky. It might need even been higher than … effectively, you already know whose.

4. Namoura: Since I’ve a significant candy tooth, I need to swap to Hellew, desserts. Nothing tops the Namoura — that’s what it’s known as in Lebanon. In Syria, the place I’m from, we name it Hreessa. Who’s proper? Who cares, so long as you do this delightfully gentle cake topped with almonds then drenched with rosewater syrup. One chew, and you’ll assume you died and went to heaven. Besides this heaven is in Somerset.

5. Baklawa: Yeah, yeah, I do know. Individuals name it Baklava. However for those who say that phrase to an Arab, they are going to rapidly right you. It’s Baklawa. Greeks could make good Baklawa, however in response to Arabs, we invented the delicate dessert. Once more, who cares? The crust was flaky, the pistachio combination was pleasant with aroma, and the finger-licking and lingering yumminess remained late into the evening.

I may title the 15 different issues I ate on the pageant, however I need to go to the fitness center. It is going to take a six-hour exercise day by day for the remainder of my life to burn these energy.

For additional particulars, name the parish workplace of St. Sharbel Church, at (732) 828-2055, or go to www.saintsharbelnj.org.

Karim Shamsi-Basha could also be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Observe him on Twitter @njdotcom_foodie. Discover NJ.com on Fb.