Cafe Munir: Lively Lebanese in Loyal Heights

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Inside the restaurant, handmade metal lamps sent from Egypt by Gargour’s family dangle from the high ceiling and a gilded portrait of his son hangs on the wall.

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Gargour has loved hosting his neighbors and friends in the cozy space and introducing them to traditional Lebanese cuisine.

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Big windows let sunlight stream into the café, illuminating the bright paintings and the colorful bottles that line the wall behind the bar that leads into the open kitchen.

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Gargour’s family sent the eye-catching lamps over from Egypt.

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Gargour likes to put his own spin on Lebanese classics—for example, his mukhaddara, a green incarnation of the traditional red muham’marra.

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Brassy bells hang by the doorway.

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Sweet and salty Mahallabieh, milk pudding flavored with orange flower water and topped with pistachios.

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Aside from the large whiskey collection, Café Munir also carries Arak, a traditional anise aperitif.

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Diners can watch their meal come to life in the kitchen.

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Batinjan Josephine takes center stage, thick, creamy yogurt topped with roasted vegetable and bright parsley and olive oil.

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The café’s painted signs hang in the large front windows.

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A portrait of Gargour’s firstborn has a central spot in the restaurant. Of the gilded painting: "It’s a little over the top, but it fits."

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