'Flair' offers authentic Middle Eastern food

NORRIDGE, Ill. (WLS) -- For the past five years, the unassuming Middle Eastern Flair has been one of those blink-and-you-miss-it storefronts as you cruise down Harlem Avenue. But step inside, and be greeted by not only a well-stocked grocery store, but also some of the best Middle Eastern food in the region.

"Here, we decided to open a one-stop shop far from the Middle Eastern market to be distinguished, to be different to be unique and carry the original, authentic flavor," said owner Amjad Owaynet.

Falafel is a given, and the fact they combine both favas and chickpeas makes these extra special, whether they're plain or smashed into a sandwich, featuring tahini and pickles, and rolled up in homemade pita. Yes, that oven up front isn't just for show; they churn out pitas all day long. Use them scoop up thick foul moudamas with favas, or extra smoky baba ganoush and thick, oil-slicked hummus.

With food this good, you'd think a team of Middle Eastern women would be back in the kitchen, but it's simply Owaynet's Polish wife, who obviously took copious notes from her in-laws. There's plenty of beef and lamb shawarma, sliced from the vertical spit, which goes exceedingly well with one of two rices: either yellow or their housemade oozi.

"Ground lamb, ground beef, vegetables, roasted almonds, and several different kinds of Middle Eastern spices that we put in there," Owaynet said. "Everything is done from scratch; nothing pre-mixed, nothing canned, none of that. It's all fresh products."

Now everyday there is a dinner special here at Middle Eastern Flair, and on Fridays they have mensaf, which is just fantastic. It's lamb, rice, almonds and a lot of yogurt - extra yogurt sauce to soak up into the rice - just delicious.

Middle Eastern Flair

4311 North Harlem Avenue

Norridge, IL 60706

(708) 457-2100