ALL BOTTLED UP: Fattoush

The spot: Lebanese natives Sam and Lina Elakhaoui named their three-year-old restaurant Fattoush after what they call “the king of salads.” Available as an appetizer ($5.45) or an entree ($10.45), it’s made with a slew of chopped vegetables, parsley, mint and toasted pita chips. The humble dining room is small, but the north and south walls are spruced up with painted murals of old-world Lebanon. Familiar Middle Eastern appetizers such as hummos ($5.35) and falafel ($5.25) are great for nibbling. For heartier appetites, Elakhaoui recommends the kafta kabab, made from ground lamb patties ($13.50), and the shish tawouk, cubes of marinated chicken breast ($13.75). The bottle: Arak, the Lebanese version of ouzo, is the drink of choice with Lebanese cuisine. Sam’s Wines & Spirits carries Razzouk arak, distilled from grape juice with fresh aniseed ($19.99 for 750 milliliters). For $28.99, you can pick up a 750-milliliter bottle of Ksarak arak, which is matured for two years in clay jars. Typically, Lebanese diners mix part arak with two parts water before adding ice. If the cloudy concoction doesn’t float your boat, Elakhaoui says beer pairs just fine with some of the vegetarian appetizers on the menu. Head up the street to Park West Food and Liquor (2733 N. Halsted St. 773- 477-2099) for an assortment of chilled six-packs, such as the seasonal Spaten Munich Oktoberfest ($8.49) or Goose Island 312 Urban Wheat ($7.99) — Emily Hiser Lobdell, Metromix special contributor. metromix@tribune.com

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