In the land of plenty, few stand out like Bavel. Yes I'm talking about food. And to my own surprise I'm talking about a high end, super posh, quite pricy, yet crazy delicious restaurant in Los Angeles. If I could marry food, it would most definitely be the lamb neck shawarma from Bavel!
My love affair with this restaurant started a little later than most, I have to admit. I was weary of even going there. I mean its Middle Eastern food, this style of food and cooking has been growing over the last decade in Los Angeles and a large number of really approachable, fast casual restaurants serving this type of food have become great successes. So why should I go out of my way (to Arts District in Downtown), in Los Angeles traffic, to pay more money for something I can easily get in my own neighborhood? Like I said, I wasn't a believer.
Then one day, through sheer coincidence a colleague suggested we go there to catch up. It seemed fitting as we just closed a pretty good deal together and I haven't spend much time with him or his team in a possibly years. So this was a good excuse to venture far and explore. When I said I've never been there before the look of shock and glee appeared on his face. As in I get to introduce you to something new? Yep!
We sat at the bar of this very lively restaurant and ordered a few drinks. And by the time our table was ready, we carved out a nice area at a high top and started ordering apps - we were not going to move. The interior of the restaurant is beautiful. Green garlands of vines drip from the ceiling and fill the massive space. There is an open kitchen and prep stations where, if you're into it like I am, you can watch them work. At the bar the cocktail list is creative and subtle, playing up the Middle Eastern theme. And the wine list is expansive and thoughtful.
As we made it through the apps, I didn't quite think we would have any room left to share an entre. But we ordered the lamb neck shawarma. "You can't leave without trying it" my friend said. "Even if you end up taking it home, we're getting it!" So it came. A giant platter of tender, perfectly seasoned, fatty shawarma, sitting on a lavash and served with a side of pickles, tahini and spicy mint adjika. After the first bite I swooned. I usually sing, or do a little dance when I eat something tasty. But this time I swooned. My eyes closed and I was transported to a land far away. It is amazing how food can have that affect.
From that point on, I have faithfully and earnestly come to Bavel for the lamb neck shawarma. I have brought countless friends, colleagues and family and introduced them to my obsession. And if ever given the choice for a special occasion dinner - I choose Bavel every time. And let me also be very clear about one thing, the rest of the menu is absolutely divine! The duck ;nduja hummus - we never order fewer than 2 for a table. The fried pita - I always have to have 1 to myself. The mushroom kebab is smoky perfection.
If you find yourself in LA, with a desire to try something that will take you to a new place, know the socks off you and your guests, and deliver it in a classy setting... May I recommend to you Bavel?
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