Gourmet Safari: Al Aseel Restaurant, Surry Hills

The final stop of our enchanting Gourmet Safari was Al Aseel Lebanese restaurant in Surry Hills.  The decor is classy and understated.  Even though it was late lunch none of us were that hungry.

Having said that the refreshingly fresh fatoush salad (above) immediately picked up my apetite.  The pickles were perfect, grilled meats went really well with the white garlic paste (warning, very garlic sauce).  Baba ghanoush, tabouli and hommous, all the traditional sides were served and were delicious.

No wonder Maeve says it's the "best Lebanese restaurant in town".  This Sydney food blog is in no position to disagree.

Gourmet Safari Adventure, 12th October 2010 Itinerary
Gourmet Safari: GS Roasting
Gourmet Safari: Paesanella
Gourmet Safari: La Patisserie
Gourmet Safari: Ranieri Deli
Gourmet Safari: Al Aseel Lebanese Restaurant

Gourmet Safari is run by tv personality and author, Maeve O'Meara.  There are safaris in Sydney, Margaret River, Kangaroo Island as well as overseas including Vietnam Safari and Greek Island Safari.

Noodlies sydney food blog's Sydney Gourmet Safari was courtesy of SBS.

Al Aseel Lebanese Restaurant
529 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills
(02) 9690 1099

Frank's Restaurant

Another unsung gem in Fairfield is Franks Lebanese Restaurant. The place looks just like any other take away, that is, until you try their chicken.

And they sell alot of chicken. Sitting in the restaurant last night (Sunday) there was a steady stream of people buying it for take away. Not only is the chicken well marinated, the skin (I know really bad for you) not too crispy and the flesh white and tender.

The other thing that makes the meal is the garlic paste on the side - it tastes and smells like it was made from 100% garlic.

The tabouli is the freshes and best tasting I've had anywhere.

We usually also get falafel and mixed grill plate, too.