Sophisticated and delicious dishes on Fifth Avenue in New York

Maintaining secular wealth of products that originate from the earth itself, with its nutritional value, and innovate from the root with gastronomic proposals that do not lose their flavor in bizarre experiments. Ilili offers all the fascinating exotic Lebanese cuisine, which can satisfy the most discriminating taste with the quality of their products. Mediterranean cuisine and an unlimited combination of ingredients, two fundamental characteristics that make Ilili a mouthwatering culinary adventure more than satisfactory.

 

 

The interior of the most renowned Lebanese restaurant in New York is very welcoming and friendly which holds a  very large bar area and living room, the two parts with which account. There is no lack of an elegant lounge with a large sofa, classic furniture and a comfortable design reminiscent of traditional Arabic forms. The dark colored wood is the predominant decorative element. The countless mirrors give a sense of amplitude and restrained lighting gives a sophisticated look to the spacious dining room. At night it creates an intimate atmosphere that invites you to enjoy the table in good company. 

Lebanese food is full of strong flavors, accented. The dishes are prepared in various ways: roasted, baked, sauteed or boiled. Okra (known as Ork), sahlab, sumac, kichk, caraway, cardamom ... Many of the species that compose their stews, fried and baked goods are not as easy to get. Cream and butter are commonly used in desserts, sauces although the repertoire is not as broad. However, seasoning with fresh herbs and spices taste enriches and reinforces strongly. The great diligence and careful preparation that requires this kitchen give value to their proposals. 

In Ilili the hummus, brussels sprouts and “shawarma”meat are outstanding. For salad lovers, the winning bid is the “chankleesh”, topped with a rich, creamy feta cheese sauce, along with onions, tomatoes and other spices which we can not distinguish, but taste. The wide variety of snacks is very suitable to open the appetite. For vegetarians, this restaurant in Manhattan is a paradise, although we do not speak of an open kitchen at all. You can order small plates and enjoy a good tasting variety, or, in the conventional way, ask for starters, main and dessert conventionally.

The “knafah” or “kunafeh” is very tasty, it usually cooked on the spot and takes over a kind of sugary syrup. Ilili is also served with orange, well presented and very tasty without being too sweet. 

 

 

 

The desserts of Ilili are delicious, without being cloying. Cuisine is very creative. It’s amazing foam sorbet and caramelized onion arak faux-kind-translucent trim and tahini with a cake.

The cuisine of Lebanon is a conspicuous representative of the Mediterranean diet. I´ts dishes reflect the same variety and rich ethnic mosaic that provides Lebanon’s Muslim community , as well as the Christian and Druze . It includes fruits, vegetables and fish, animal fats are consumed in lesser extent. 

Birds are vastly order, they usually eat more red meat chicken or lamb . Often found as the base of this cuisine are the same ingredients, but mixed in an unlimited : puff wheat, semolina, cheese, cucumber, yogurt, pine nuts, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, onions, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, parsley, mint, basil, orange peel ... Olive oil and vinegar are also used regularly. 

Ilili offers private parties , corporate events , weddings and other celebrations for groups up to 300 guests. It has three private event spaces and it is also able to book the entire restaurant. Menus are created for the occasion, snacks and cocktails as well as exclusive more succulent banquet menus and holidays. 

Chef-owner, Philippe Massoud, lived from childhood in the gastronomy business in his family. Grandfather Alexander gived the family hotel in Beirut to Philippe´s father. Because Civil War in the country, father sent Phillipe with his relatives in New York when he was a child. Losing the hotels of the family in Lebanon forced him to looking for good luck in the kitchen in USA. Later he came back to Lebanon to learn with the best chefs of the country, most of them were employed by his father. He came back to USA in 1999 to open a restaurant in Whasington DC. In 2006 Massoud moved to New York. Thanks to his self-demanding in order to reach quality, he have got the public recognition. Ilili become a meeting point where CEOs, aristocracy and chic personalities eat every day. Sahteyn! (Enjoy the meal).

 

 

 

Info

ilili Restaurant

236 5th Ave  New York, 

NY 10001, Estados Unidos

Tel. +1 212-683-2929

www.ililinyc.com

 

Text: Jesús López Ríos ± Photo: PSM / BPS / GABAN GOBBLE / WPS / VISIT 5TH