It’s Ramadan, so We’re Talking Break-Fast Essentials

I have always been interested in food. It started with my Polish grandmother. Every time I went to visit her, she had a big pot of chicken soup simmering on the stove. The aroma was intoxicating; a combination of fresh dill, onion and chicken filled the room. I felt loved, warm and safe.

This is the approach for Cuisine Confidential. I will be visiting the Mom and Pop joints, and secret, off the grid establishments. I will be focusing on the food, family and the feeling I have being there. I will be stealth, making sure everything I experience is authentic.

Italian, Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Kosher – you name it – will be included. Every family-owned restaurant has a story, a secret family recipe, and a special feel that I hope to capture in my reviews.

Cuisine Confidential will run once a month for now, and eventually be once a week. I invite readers to comment, share a memory or suggest a place I might visit. My column below pays homage to Ramadan.

Muslims around the world are observing Ramadan this month, with intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting, and break-fasts that resemble feasts.

I learned that Ramadan is intended to bring those closer to God, remind them of the suffering of those less fortunate, and focus on one’s inner self. It’s a way to physically and spiritually purify. It’s a magnificent tradition, one that has been in force for hundreds of years.

First off, fasting is a fantastic way to cleanse and detoxify the body while also building resistance to cravings. It also builds your willpower and discipline. Muslim or not, I am going to incorporate this into my life. Ramadan is a great time to start.

Once the day-long fast is complete, it’s time to indulge in some serious traditional cuisine. If you are interested in observing the Ramadan break-fast, there are some incredible establishments around the Pasadena area that cater to a Middle Eastern palate. Specialty markets, bakeries and grocery stores have the ingredients, spices, meats, sweets and ready-made foods to create your hearty meal.

Nerses Halabi on Washington Boulevard in Pasadena has a 5-star rating on Yelp and they deserve it. The proprietors have curated a wide selection of spices, sun-dried fruit and nuts, exotic pastes, and authentic sweets. Visit www.nerseshalabisweetsandspices.com for more information.

For Halal meat, the go-to establishment is Family Halal Meat Market in Northridge. In business for 42 years, this family-owned meat market offers a selection of lamb, goat, beef, chicken, veal and fish prepared in the manner permissible by Islamic law. Visit www.halalzabihahmeat.com for more information.

There is also a bevy of Middle Eastern bakeries in the area. One notable relative newcomer is Sweet Leban in Glendale. Open since 2023. it specializes in Middle-Eastern pastries, baklava, cakes, cookies, croissants and other traditional sweets.

Ramadan Mubarak! Wishing you all of the blessings of this holy month. We acknowledge and pray for the local Muslim community that lost their beloved mosque and multi-generational homes in the Eaton Fire.

Deets

• Nerses Halabi
• 1700 East Washington Blvd., Pasadena
• Phone: 747-528-6198

• Family Halal Meat Market
• 8363 Reseda #4, Northridge 
• Phone: 818-349-2222

• Sweet Leban
• 2901 Honolulu Avenue, Glendale
• Phone: 747-255-7297