Motto of New Mediterranean Bistro
When asked about the name of his newly-opened eatery , Bite Me Twice, Nassif “Nick”Chamoun replies with a smile, “It means, ‘Stop licking your lips. We’re going to feed you twice.’” In the tradition of warm Lebanese hospitality Nick personally greets everyone coming through the door of his establishment at 2007 North Holland-Sylvania Road at Bancroft. To his arabic-speaking customers he exclaims, “Ahlen Wasahlen” or “Welcome!”, while he makes all guests feel at home.
Nick owned and operated Aladdin restaurant on Talmadge Road before opening Bite Me Twice in October. His new location offers Nick’s same understated elegant design, classy and inviting.
Middle Eastern savory
The menu is American-Lebanese, including familiar favorites like grape leaves (vegan style) and fried kibbe with crunchy pickled turnips. The grilled aroma of shish tawook and shish kabob waft from the kitchen, while lesser known items such as makanek (Lebanese sausage with tomato and lemon), sambuskina (delicately spiced chicken with onions, tomato and fried pine nuts in a pita pie), and sfiha (seasoned ground beef pita pie) are also available.
Health plus taste
Bite Me Twice attracts a large mid-day crowd, a healthy alternative for those on-the-go. Nick’s motto is “Eat healthy. Live well” and his menu caters to carb counters and those who seriously consider their food choices. Menu descriptions for appetizers, soups, pita rolls and salads conjure up the fresh wholesomeness of Farmer’s Market booths in late August. The “V-Twelve” soup is a mix of carrots, celery, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, potatoes, green peppers, onions, cauliflower, sweet peas and parsley.
All menu items are clearly marked as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or containing nuts. Olive oil the only oil used in the restaurant’s cooking. Mouth-watering pizzas with exotic names and unexpected Middle Eastern ingredients are baked on toasted pita. Rich spices, common to Lebanese cuisine, abound in Bite Me Twice dishes, including allspice, white and black pepper, cumin and thyme(zaatar).
The juice bar offers shots of liquid energy blended from fresh veggies such as, carrots, celery, spinach and parsley, along with sweeter drink options like fruit smoothies. Of course, a Lebanese restaurant never lacks in dessert options. Bite Me Twice is no exception, displaying cakes, cheesecakes and four kinds of baklava.
If you are looking for fine, casual dining in an aesthetically pleasing space with loads of healthy choices, try Bite Me Twice. As an added plus, prices are reasonable.
11am-9pm, Monday-Thursday.
11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday.
2007 N. Holland-Sylvania Rd.
567-318-5552 | bitemetwicetoledo.com
