For a casual, Middle Eastern lunch in Williamsburg, Samesa is where it's at. This tiny spot, inspired by a hole-in-the-wall falafel joint, offers a some seriously colorful, vibrant, and flavorful food. Both meat and veggie options abound, and I always tend to start with some of their freshly baked pumpernickel pita and housemade dips. The carrot romesco with urfa biber and roasted beet with sumac dips are both faves of mine, but you really can't go wrong with any of them. The mezze plate above makes for a legit lunch in itself, and involves beet-pickled eggs along with the chef's choice of various dips, salads, and other pickled goodies- so delish! Fresh dishes like the raw squash and zucchini salad with smoky eggplant purée make for a light and healthy option, while the braised lamb and chickpea sandwich is the perfect choice for the meat-eaters. Samesa also makes some pretty tasty and unique smoothies- the tahini date with coconut & cinnamon tastes like a creamy milkshake, but is actually vegan! As you can see, there's truly something for everyone, and I highly recommend you check it out, stat!
deliciously ella
I've been following Ella Mills (@DeliciouslyElla) for a while now, and was super excited when she opened The MaE Deli (now called Deliciously Ella) along with her husband, Matthew. Now with multiple locations around London, the delis offer natural, seasonal, and delicious food. While I (luckily) don't have any allergies or need to avoid any specific ingredients, all the food at The MaE Deli is free from wheat, dairy, additives, and refined sugar, making it the perfect, healthy spot for breakfast or lunch for just about anyone. On a recent trip to London, I visited twice, and loved all the fresh, colorful options to choose from. I created my own "MaE Bowl", with miso broccolini salad, sweet potato with coriander tahini, cauliflower & broad bean falafel, and grilled vegetables with sorrel pesto, all topped with avocado pesto dip! Talk about a mouthful, but this is my favorite kind of lunch. Veggie-based, full of flavor, and super healthy and satisfying!
You know me- I rarely pass on the sweets, and this occasion was no different. The fudgy brownie tastes sinful and indulgent, but is far from it. I love when a dessert still tastes rich and decadent, but isn't full of a bunch of processed crap! Win-win! And how pretty is the hot pink frosting on that red velvet cupcake?! You can now also buy Ella's energy balls in various stores around London (like Whole Foods!). These bite-sized treats, made from nuts and fruits, are great, quick sources of energy and protein, and delicious to boot! I like keeping a few in my bag for whenever I start to get hangry. Here's hoping a NYC location opens soon!
dune
Middle Eastern food is probably my all-time favorite cuisine. I could eat it again and again, and never tire of it. I just love all the flavorful and well-balanced dishes, from the unique use of vegetables to the freshly baked breads- I can't get enough! I had heard great things about Dune in Atwater Village, and made sure to stop by on a recent trip to Los Angeles. This casual, no-frills spot doesn't offer a huge menu, but they don't need to. They do a few things very well, so you really can't go wrong. Place your order, then pick a seat out on the sidewalk patio, and enjoy your food al fresco. My husband and I shared the pickled beet sandwich and the lamb and falafel Mezze plate. The sandwich comes on perfectly chewy ciabatta, piled high with pickled beets, toum, capers, kalamata olives, pickled onions, Bulgarian feta, an 8-minute egg, shoestring potatoes, and seasonal greens. It's a mouthful, but a truly delicious and well-balanced one. The Mezze offers everything I love about Middle Eastern cuisine all on one plate. The pasture-raised lamb and organic green herb falafel come with housemade flatbread, hummus, house pickles, marinated cabbage and onions, tahini sauce, olives, and seasonal greens. I love using the flatbread as a vehicle to enjoy everything at once. Just pile it on and devour. Dune will definitely be added to my regular LA rotation- I already cannot wait to go back (and try the baklava!) next time I'm in town.