Balade: Lebanese-Middle Eastern Dining Heaven in the East Village

Lebanese-Middle Eastern eatery Balade is a quaint little space that should not be overlooked. Located on 208 1st Avenue, Balade, which means “produce of the highest quality,” offers traditional Lebanese cuisine in an atmosphere true to the Lebanese culture. Balade opened in 2010 by chef and restaurateur Roland Semann, a native of Beirut, Lebanon, with the mission “to introduce Lebanese cuisine to New Yorkers. They serve a variety of small plates and family-size platters — so much so that I’m sure there’s an option for your entire family.

Upon walking into Balade, we (that’s me and my girlfriend) instantly fell in love with the dim lighting and the ambiance was instantly calming. We were seated and offered some glasses of white wine to start our night. After being greeted by the general manager, Elson, we were brought some of Balade’s housemade bread, which were soft and pillowy when it made contact with my teeth.

For appetizers, we were treated to some Jebne (Lebanese cheese) with za’atar spice and olive oil with an olive on top (much like a cherry on top of a sundae). If you want a dish that will let you know what you’re in store for when…