I first heard about Maydan on a local radio station, I was driving and heard that Maydan had just been named one the top restaurants by Food and Wine Magazine. That was enough for me to stop and take note. I am always looking for new and interesting finds and this one peaked my interest. As soon as I got home, I emailed Maydan requesting information on making a reservation. I was successful in making a reservation for ten for their Tawlet experience — an ample tasting menu which showcases the best of what they have to offer the day you are there; all dishes were served family-style and meant to be shared. Every bite was worthy of the all of the accolades Maydan is receiving. Everything is cooked over an open wood-fired hearth or clay oven reminiscent of the kitchens in the Middle East and North Africa. We were first presented an assortment of their salads and spreads along with their fresh baked bread from the clay oven. We were warned that many courses were to follow to pace ourselves, but we just couldn’t stop eating the various combinations including some of my favorites beiruti hummus with tomatoes, parsley, green peppers, and scallions, beet borani that was a vibrant purple combination of yogurt, dill and black sesame and muhamarra – walnut, red pepper and pomegranate molasses. I could go on and on about their various spreads and salads that we dove into along with the warm bread; we tried them all and all were terrific. From the fire we then had carrots with lemon and harissa, eggplant with walnut sauce and pomegranate molasses, all combined with the various condiments, we were in food paradise. Exquisite shrimp served with chermoula sauce and duck breast ras el hanout ( a Moroccan spice blend—a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy) were the next plates from the fire accompanied by more condiments and bread. I think the show stopper of the evening was the lamb shoulder with seven spices. It it so hard to describe this lamb dish because it was fall-off the bone tender with a delicious crust that melted in your mouth and I must say the best lamb I have ever had. Is your mouth-watering yet? I cannot wait to return to Maydan, I hear their whole chicken with turmeric, coriander, and toum is one to try – that is enough to draw me bring me back again and again.
Below are just a sampling of photos from our dinner.
Their entrance is at the end of an alley. Once you walk in you can see the open fire roaring.
The second floor bar, the view from where I was sitting
The abundant selection of salads and spreads (above) condiments (below)
The unforgettable lamb shoulder – spectacular 
One group of happy friends after enjoying our dinner at Maydan