Lamar Farhat, Executive Sous Chef at Leila, a modern Lebanese restaurant in Capital Park, Detroit talks to Jewell Dziendziel about the vegetarian dishes. Leila was named Restaurant of the Year for 2020 by the Detroit Free Press.
Leila, which opened in late 2019, is described as modern Lebanese cuisine and is the third restaurant from the Eid Family. Lamar and I talk about the concept of Leila, what they are doing differently that sets them apart, and what Modern Lebanese cuisine means to him.
Family is very important in Lebanese culture and Sunday meals are a tradition. Leila is exactly that. Each meal is designed as if you were inside Leila's kitchen, eating with the family. From the influence of each menu item, to how the dishes are prepared, Leila sets the bar high for not only being a new upscale Detroit restaurant, but a superior Lebanese restaurant.
Leila isn't cutting any corners. They ditch the food processor and make their baba ghanouj by hand, make fresh yogurt in house, and bake pita in the restaurant's bread oven to order, "pillows of love" as Lamar describes it. Lamar dishes about the coolest thing he's done as a chef, sharing champagne with Jermaine Jackson, and let's not forget his foodie pet peeve!
Leila is located at 1249 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, Capital Park, Detroit, MI. Leila reopened their dining room for dinner service July 29, 2020. Visit the website for up to date hours and to book your reservation.
