Many of us look forward to weekend trips away from Long Island. And some of us find ourselves spending time at bed and breakfasts, taking scenic walks to browse the antique shops of the New Hope, PA/Lambertville, NJ area.
When I found myself visiting friends in Bucks County, I crossed the river and wandered into Lambertville’s Marhaba. Marhaba is Arabic for “welcome” and what a welcome I received!
I was treated to a tasting menu that I did not want to end. It was a parade of succulent meats and tangy dips, all fragrantly dusted with traditional seasonings. Their baba ghanoush is perfect when smothered over the scrumptious flat breads made to order by their in-house pita chef. Even though Marhaba’s delectable Middle Eastern dishes are a little on the spicy side, I could honestly taste all the key spices in them: dill, parsley, coriander, cinnamon, sumac, za’tar, sesame, garlic, olive oil and lemon.
Head chef and owner, Karim Elsharabasi crafts his take on his own mother’s recipes. This explains why, when walking in, you already feel you are at home. While Marhaba may feel cozy, it can easily stand among the best of Middle Eastern establishments found in Manhattan and on Long Island.
I recently sat down with restaurateur and co-owner, Tracey Branson, who discussed the passion behind what they do, “We emphasize that everything is made fresh with quality ingredients. The atmosphere is casual but the food is absolutely not. Nothing makes us happier than seeing a customer lean back with a satisfied smile. I like to think that we have something for everybody, herbivore to carnivore, and can be fun on any budget.”
If you happen to be in the New Hope, PA/Lambertville, NJ area, give them a try and you will be in for a most memorable meal.
Marhaba
77 South Union Street
Lambertville, NJ
phone: 609/397.7777
http://www.marhabalambertville.com/
Open daily: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Seats: 40, wheelchair accessible
BYOB
MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and Discover are accepted.
Belly dancing is featured on Friday evenings.
Public parking lot next door
Reservations are taken for parties of six or more.
Lambertville’s Marhaba Offers a You a Hearty “Welcome”
All photos are courtesy of Marhaba.
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Joe Targove June 16, 2013 at 08:14 am
I'm willing to donate my party place in east Meadow and my dj services for free to help the kids. ..…Read More dreamcatcher516@gmail.com joe
Mickey June 10, 2013 at 08:25 am
Natalie. I am so sorry to read this. I too have a little 5 yr. old dog who I love desperately...…Read More and I feel your pain. There is another website for an organization that does an amazing job finding lost pets. It's LOSTMYDOGGIE.COM There is a small fee, but they get signs up all over the area and have a phone system set up where everyone in the area of where she was lost gets a PHONE CALL ALERT message to watch for Molly. They leave a phone number and their website address so if anyone has seen her or has her they know where to call. Great system! Check it out! I've never used them, but I HAVE received calls myself recently on 2 separate lost dogs and I've seen the many photos they hung up in my area in Levittown for dogs lost within a few miles of this area. In other words, they DO what they say they will do to help find Molly. Just want you to know what is out there to help you bring Molly home. My grandkids go to school around Grand and Camp Ave. We'll be watching for her! God Bless and good luck! I'm sure she will be returned to you real soon!!
Natalie Molloy June 10, 2013 at 10:14 am
Molly is actually not my dog , however I understandthe feeling of losing a dog and thought it would…Read More be a good idea to post on the Patch.