culinary treasure - Ali Baba delivers full flavor of Lebanese cuisine
culinary 
treasure
Lebanese cuisine
PHOTOS BY Jim LaurieALI BABA OFFERS a treasure of authentic and classic Lebanese cuisine.
Ali Baba, Authentic Lebanese Cuisine, features the classic creations of international Executive Chef Dany Chebat. His background ensures the authenticity of this ancient cuisine, with quality and flavors that will not be compromised.
Chebat, a Lebanese native who is in sync with the cuisine of his heritage, received his formal culinary education in French and Lebanese gastronomy in Beirut, and has held chef positions at several 5-star InterContinental Hotels, worldwide.
Lebanese cuisine is internationally popular, rich in history, and sets the standards for other Middle Eastern cuisine. It is healthful, flavorful, and combines ingredients from the Mediterranean with herbs and spices from the East.
It is customary to begin dinner with mezza, an array of hot and cold appetizers. Ali Baba’s array of mezza that can be ordered a la carte or pre fixe, are second to none.
WHERE: 8826 S. Eastern Ave. in Colonnade Square.
HOURS: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (until 1 a.m. Friday - Sunday).
RESERVATIONS: Accepted. PHONE: 688-4182
Savory main courses served with vegetables and basmti rice delights as well. Ali Baba’s Basmati rice with its rich aroma, texture, and taste is the epitome of fine rice.
“Every item qualifies as a signature dish, as each is authentic”, chebat says. Perfectly char-grilled kabbs include choice of lamb, beef, chicken and flavorful kafta (ground beef mixed with parsley, onions and exotic spices). “We want the main product to stand out, therefore we only use light marinade to enhance the flavor,” the chef explains.
Rotissere marinated chicken, marinated quail, and samke hara (traditional Lebanese fish) baked and served with two specially sauces, are available as well.
Ali Baba’s wine list is adequate, with several selections from various countries. I suggest the Lebanese Ksara, a full-bodied red, or Massaya.
Lebanese Desserts are delicacies known for their light-yet-sweet characteristic. Rose water and orange blossom water, walnuts and pistachio nuts, and filo dough are key ingredients to many desserts and Ali Baba’s selections are the real deal, to be enjoyed with Middle East coffee.
The ambience and decor with wall murals enhance the dining experience, as does the live exotic music and traditional belly dancers for a complete festive evening.
“We fill a niche in the community by offering fine dining, ambience and service with reasonable price points,” says general manager Stephen Bellofatto, a 30-year Las Vegas restaurateur. “We take pleasure in accommodating our gests.”
Source: GVH - The Magazine of Green Valley Henderson & Beyond, March 2007, P62-63