Living in the Los Angeles area can be such a hassle with traffic, Hollywood drama, et al. But either way, we should always consider ourselves lucky for being part of such a diverse metropolis. Where else but in L.A. can you find pretty much anything from anywhere? When it comes to food- no matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it. So give the folks at BK a rest and venture into Long Beach and head over to “Open Sesame” to try some of the best Lebanese food in town.
Mediterranean Grill
Long Beach is quickly becoming one of the “it” places to go to for a night out or for a chill/ hang-out day. While the beach in Long Beach is ghastly to say the least, the clubs, lounges, bars and restaurants are surefire up and coming hotspots.
“Open Sesame” on 2nd Street is one of those must-go restaurants. It’s a nice cozy place with a nice ambiance, great service and above all, scrumptious Mediterranean food.
Appetizer Extravaganza
For some reason, many restaurants keep their appetizer list to a minimum. That’s not the case with the folks at “Open Sesame”. If you are indecisive, you’re gonna have a hard time- or you can order more than one appetizer.
The “hummus” is a must; if you’re feeling adventurous go for the “spicy hummus”. The “yogurt dip” is also a great choice; it goes perfectly with the pita bread.
If you’re going to “Open Sesame” just for a “quickie” hang-out, you’ll have more than enough with the appetizers. The “fried potatoes” and the “fried cauliflower” are a great somewhat healthy and tasty choice.
You can wash this down with some agua de tamarindo. You’ll be surprised at how good it is.
Eat ‘til you drop
Beware- although portions are “Open Sesame” are not monstrous and over-sized, they’re portion control servings are extremely filling.
My partner in crime and I wanted to try as much as possible so we ordered the “Open Sesame Combo Plate, the “Falafel Combo Plate”, and the “Grilled Tiger Shrimp”.
The “Open Sesame Combo Plate” included charbroiled skewers of kafka, chicken tawook and beef kabob served on a bed of basmati rice with hummos and a choice of salad. The skewers where out of this world. If you’re new to Mediterranean food, this is the way to go. A great “first dish”.
The “Falafel Combo Plate” has four falafel patties served with hummus, fattoush, tomato, lettuce, wild cucumber pickles, tahini sauce and pita.
Now, the“Grilled Tiger Shrimp” was a well done dish. The shrimp were marinated in garlic, olive oil, cilantro and pepper. This nine pieces of shrimp where charbroiled almost to perfection.
Back for seconds
“Open Sesame” is one of those places that you like going back to. It has everything people look for in a good restaurant: nice atmosphere, good service, great food, and really really good prices.
You’ll be definitely coming back for more. Just make sure you save some space for dessert.
Open Sesame Grill5215 East 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562)621-1698
