09/25/2026
Zahlé, Lebanon
Drink: Lebanese Arak
Dish pairing: Grilled Kafta Mezze Platter
In Zahlé, Friday unfolds across the whole table. Arak turns cloudy with cool water, releasing its vivid anise perfume beside a generous Lebanese mezze: charcoal-grilled kafta, creamy hummus, bright tabbouleh, sumac onions, warm flatbread, and blistered tomato. The spirit’s clean herbal intensity meets the smoke of the grill, refreshes after rich tahini, and sharpens every lemony, parsley-filled bite. Pour slowly, pass the plates, and let dinner find its own rhythm. This is not a pairing to hurry. It gets better each time another dish comes within reach. 🌿🥃
AI image disclosure: This image was created with AI for our Friday global culinary series, which explores food traditions from around the world and celebrates connection across cultures and communities. Arizona Culinary Institute does not use AI-generated images to represent or promote our students, classes, facilities, or school programs.