Lil’ Shalom

Shalom Y’all on SW Portland/down recently did a mini-makeover and re-opened as Lil’ Shalom. The menu still has some favorites – the corn ribs are back for now! But also a few new options. The menu is more takeout friendly focused on hummus bowls and Mediterranean pita sandwiches, and there is outdoor patio seating along the street if you can’t wait to enjoy your meal. BONUS: right now until September 26 they are offering free delivery within a 5 mile radius from 2:30-5:30pm if you order directly!
Lil' Shalom Watermelon Sangria with rosé wine, watermelon, and mint; Hummus with Things Wild Mushrooms with pine nuts, green onions, harissa; Corn 'Ribs' with lime and dukkah dust; Mejadara with rice, lentils, fried onions

Sesame Collective is owned by executive chef Kasey Mills; Jamal Hassan a native Oregonian with a Palestinian & Lebanese father and a mother from the south and experience from his youth helping at his parents’ Lebanese food cart; and Laura Amans. All three have experience together from 2014 onwards from founding Mediterranean Exploration Company. Really good quality Mediterranean food and almost all vegetable centered

For drinks, if you are dining al fresco and looking for cocktails (I don’t think they are offering these to go yet, only the soda or beer or wine in cans) I really enjoy the easy drinking Watermelon Sangria with rosé wine, watermelon, and mint earlier this summer. Still on the menu last I checked was the Turkish Delight Slushy with shalom limoncello, ceylon tea, lemon, reagan’s orange bitters, and orange blossom. Both are dangerously easy drinking actually. They also have some delightful no proof options such as a Luster Punch with wilderton luster, ginger peach tea, coriander lime apple shrub, lime, and orange & cardamom bitters; or try the Little Richard with wilderton earthen, oat milk, ginger peach tea, and nutmeg. They are just as good as the alcoholic libations. Happy hour 2:30-4:30 would be an ideal time to investigate no?
Lil' Shalom Watermelon Sangria with rosé wine, watermelon, and mint Lil' Shalom Turkish Delight Slushy with shalom limoncello, ceylon tea, lemon, reagan’s orange bitters, and orange blossom/p>

The Hummus with Things portion of the menu is your call of what you want to top on top of your smooth creamy hummus, varying from confit cherry tomatoes, cauliflower, wild mushrooms, to za’atar roasted chicken salad or burnt beef ends. I’ve tried the version with Wild Mushrooms with pine nuts, green onions, harissa, and also the Cauliflower with amba, fried chickpeas, and tahina. Between the two I enjoy the mushrooms version more.
Lil' Shalom Hummus with Things Wild Mushrooms with pine nuts, green onions, harissa Lil' Shalom Hummus with Things Cauliflower with amba, fried chickpeas, and tahina

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Brunch at Tusk and Upcoming Summer Party

Tusk in Portland took over the old Levant space on SE 24th and Burnside, transforming it into a light filled bright space with a sweet touch but continuing to offer Middle Eastern food and making use of the inherited open wood-burning hearth. Brunch at Tusk is only 10 AM – 2PM on Saturday and Sunday, otherwise they are open for dinner daily.

It’s quite a contrast seeing almost kitty corner across the street the line of people waiting for the heavier Southern brunch and fried chicken and biscuits versus here, the lighter Middle Eastern brunch plates, many which are vegetarian, can be made vegan, and feel healthier. Extensive studies have shown that Mediterranean eating patterns – of which Middle Eastern food share some commonality with its use of chickpeas, lentils, vegetables, olive oil, etc. –  are directly correlated with good health including the reduction of that LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) bad cholesterol,  risk of Alzheimer’s by approximately 40 percent, and the development of Parkinson’s Disease. So let’s bring on the hummus and pita, shall we!

Bright interior full of light welcomes you and keeps you feeling cheerful during your meal.
Tusk in Portland interior Tusk in Portland interior

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