Exploring the Flavors of Bridgeview: A Culinary Adventure

Last afternoon, I stopped by CarMax for a pre-sale car appraisal and, to my delight, discovered that I was just a stone’s throw away from the famous Arab neighborhood in Bridgeview, Chicago. My previous visit, accompanied by a Palestinian friend, only introduced me to fast food options like Shawarma. This time, I decided to explore something more unique.

A Hidden Gem: Old School Restaurant

While searching on Google Maps, I stumbled upon a highly rated establishment, Old School, boasting an impressive 4.9 rating. Intrigued, I made my way over. The restaurant itself is quite humble, lacking a formal menu. The owner informed me that there were just two choices: lamb shank rice or Mandi chicken rice (Mandi is a Yemen-style rice dish).

Without hesitation, I opted for the lamb, as opportunities to savor quality lamb in the United States are rare and often expensive. Plus, Muslim restaurants typically offer the best value for lamb dishes.

A Culinary Delight

When my dish arrived, I was utterly stunned. The lamb and rice were bursting with flavor. It seemed the lamb shank was first seared before being slow-cooked with spices. The rice, prepared in a Middle Eastern style, was colored with turmeric and saffron, adorned with a sprinkle of nuts. The seasoning was simply perfect; the meat fell off the bone at the slightest touch, and the shoulder joint offered a rich, collagenous experience.

To enhance this culinary journey, I paired the meal with their tangy salad, which perfectly cut through the richness of the dish. I barely made it through a quarter of the serving before feeling completely satisfied, with plenty leftover for later—this meal cost me only $25. Just for comparison, how many meals would that be at Chipotle? Plus, there was no tip necessary!

Connecting Over Coffee

Interestingly enough, the owner, noticing my East Asian features, asked how I discovered their restaurant. He encouraged me to leave a positive review, which I happily did on Google. My confidence in speaking Arabic still lags, as I wasn’t sure which country they hailed from and didn’t want to sound presumptuous.

On my way back, I made a customary stop in the Arab neighborhood at the Yemen Café, Qamaria. Personally, I find Arabic coffee more appealing than Western coffee, with its complex layers of spice and robust flavor. It remains my preferred choice for a warm beverage comparison.

Visit Old School

For anyone venturing into the area, Old School is definitely worth a visit. You can find them at: Old School, 10324 S Harlem Ave, Palos Hills, IL 60465.

Embark on your own culinary journey in Bridgeview, and immerse yourself in the rich and flavorful experience that the Arab community has to offer!