EATS & DRINKS
By Case Dighero | Photos by Meredith Mashburn
Toot Beirut
5208 Village Parkway, Ste. 11, Rogers | (479) 268-5013 | www.facebook.com/TootBeirutAR
Since 2022, Rogers restaurant Toot Beirut, helmed by executive chef-owner Khaled Alkhatib, has been busy, and it’s easy to see why. The vibe is casual but nuanced and bright, with perhaps the best offering of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in the region. Quietly tucked away at Village on the Creeks, the fragrance of spices, slow-roasted lamb and smoked eggplant permeates the air even before you enter the front door. The entire joint is buzzing with activity from a diverse group of hungry patrons, and by the looks on the faces of everyone eating, this is the place to be.
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We start with a Sampler Platter ($13.50) of baba ghanouj, creamy hummus, crunchy falafel, grape leaves stuffed with rice and pillowy pita. The perfect introduction to chef Khaled’s menu and a not-so-subtle nod to his love for Middle Eastern food and Palestinian heritage.
The kitchen, exposed to the dining room, is also bustling with activity — cooks and chef slicing large bundles of lamb, beef and chicken, frying falafel, finishing items from the oven in dramatic, serious fashion. I love a display kitchen, and stealing glimpses of the work at hand is part of the experience at Toot Beirut.
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We move forward through the menu with Cheese and Sojok Manakish ($6), a warm, buttery bread folded and filled with spiced cheese and za’atar seasoned beef.
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Next, we dive into an impressive Lamb Burger ($12), piled high with tzatziki sauce, pickles, jalapenos and red onions. The lamb is slightly charred on the exterior, giving flavor to the juicy meat, calmed by the myriad pickled and fresh vegetables that elevate this burger to culinary nirvana status. And yes, ask for extra napkins.
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Toot Beirut’s Shawarma is also sublime. A handheld roll is perfect for a quick lunch; also available is a dinner portion sliced into smaller portions ideal for sharing. I’m fond of a combination of Chicken Saj ($9.50) and Beef Saj ($9.50), both rolled with seasoned meat and various fillings.
The menu is extensive, also offering salads, vegetarian sandwiches, and a host of sides and accoutrements. Rest assured, even your most finicky lunch or dinner companion will find something to love at Toot Beirut.
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We end our experience with traditional Turkish Coffee ($2.75) and Knafeh ($12), a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made of flaky phyllo layered with sweet cheese — a fitting companion to the dark, bold and slightly sweet coffee. Also, try the Dubai Cake ($7.45), chocolate and pistachio goodness, perfectly representing the viral trend.
Chef Khaled’s reverence for his heritage is evident in every bite, but the truly special part of Toot Beirut is his singular talent that he applies to his love for the Middle East. Enjoy at will.
