On November 11, 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines causing massive destruction and tremendous loss of life. It was the deadliest cyclone on record battering the archipelago with wind gusts up to 168 mph. I, along with my Fil-Am friends watched the news in horror as the island nation struggled to bury the dead and deliver food, water and medicine to the suffering.
So I was encouraged with hope when I got a call from my foodie friend Kim “Dancing Queen,” a self-proclaimed foodie and lover of anything Cantonese.
“Have you ever visited Medaterra in Woodley Park?”
“Afraid not. I normally stay close to downtown. I don’t go that far north on Connecticut Ave.”
“Well can you please reach out to the owner, Angela. She wants to host a fundraiser for the Philippines typhoon relief, and I thought you would be perfect choice to spearhead it.”
“I’m deeply honored. I will contact her first thing.”
Angela was glad that I accepted the position. “Post an ad on Facebook. Let them know that 50% of proceeds of food and drink will be donated to AMCROSS.”
Angela and I also reached out to all the Filipino-American groups as well to a vast variety of meetups in the area, and we were delighted that over 100 people came to dine and donate money. By the end of the night, we had raised $1,200 for the American Red Cross, and Angela Aly
“The event was enormous, and you executed like a champ.”
“Thanks to you for offering your space and amazing specials. I appreciate Kim for reaching out to me and my gratitude for everyone who showed up and provided unconditional support.”
“Yes, the donations will help tremendously and we’ll keep praying for the victims for basic supplies, comfort and healing.”
“Without a doubt. Say, so how’s your cafe doing? Do you get a lot of foot traffic at lunch and after work?”
“Some, but the young folks prefer to hang out on U and 14th St nowadays.”
“Well, lemme see how I can help you. We’re pretty skilled at leveraging social media so we can place butts in seats for those strolling casually down Connecticut Ave.”
The following month, I pitched camp at the Mediterranean bistro taking pictures of dishes and featuring them on the website. On my free time, I would ride my pedicab through Woodley Park, picking up riders who didn’t want to walk the half mile uphill from the Metro to the Smithsonian Zoo. Connecticut Ave is lined with restaurants and sidewalk cafes and there was plenty of foot traffic after work and on weekends.
I also took the opportunity to visit neighboring restaurants in the rustic enclave including the Lebanese Taverna, Open City and the Afghan Grill. Woodley Park was a small village bounded by Rock Creek Park and the zoo. But it was an international hamlet with ethnic cuisines from all corners of the world.
The Lebanese Taverna serves classic, Mediterranean cuisine in a modern, contemporary setting. In 1976, Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm boarded a cargo ship in the dead of night with their five children to escape the civil war in Lebanon. After working at local restaurants for several years, they saved enough money to purchase the Athenian Taverna and changed the sign to read Lebanese Taverna and the rest is history. Today, the business has grown to six restaurants, four cafes, and a market.
The chicken shawarma was roasting on the pit with onions and cherry tomatoes embedded in between slices to give it a juicy flavor. As the inverted cone of meat turned slowly on the rotisserie, the chef deftly sliced thin shavings from the outer layer to make the crowd favorite, doner kebab.
At the bar, a well dressed couple starts off with the bread – football-shaped pita of hot, chewy goodness which they dipped in in hummus with the right amount of tahini and olive oil.
Then as an appetizer, they ordered shawarma sliders with hot slices of lamb stuffed inside a soft pillow of bread.
The entree was braised lamb shank with white wine, the tender chunks were falling off the bone. They made room for dessert – baklava, phyllo dough stacked with honey and pistachios to cap off a perfect meal.
I waited at the bar and ordered an Almaza, a mild and smooth Pilsner brewed and bottled in Lebanon.
“Well, we have hundreds of thousands of users in the DC area and we were just selected Best of DC in the Readers’ poll.”
I visited the manager, Charlie Ayoub. “What’s RUNINOut, and how do I know you’re a reputable site?”
“How are you with managing events?”
“Well we just organized a fundraiser at Medaterra across the street and raised $1,200.”
“Alrighty hot shot. Let’s see if you can arrange an Arabian nights themed party for us.”
I looked at Charlie wide-eyed and baffled. Did he want fire dancers, sword jugglers, snake handlers? Perhaps I could ask some of the folks from the drum circle in Meridian Hill Park to participate. We can set up henna art and have tarot card readings. Maybe I’ll bring Apollo and have him fly to different customers and eat their pita bread dipped in olive oil.
“Oh certainly, Charlie, there’s not an event however conservative or exotic that I can’t handle.”
“Super, traditional Arab folk music with Raqs Baladi please.”
I immediately called Sonia.
“Raqs Baladi—that’s Egyptian belly dancing,” she informed me.
“Well are you available?”
“I just started a new job at the Dept of Education, and I can’t commit.”
I called Angela and debriefed her on my meeting with Charlie.
“Don’t stress out. I’ve got the perfect solution for you.”
She wrote down a name and number on the back of the menu. “Asala, call her, see if she’s available.”
I dialed the number with trepidation.
“Hello, who’s this?”
“Umm, this is Angela’s friend from the Medeterra. Do you know anything about an Arabian Nights performance at the Lebanese Taverna?”
“Wait, are you the fella riding the pedicab up and down H St during the summer Fest?
“Yes, the one with the squawking parrot that matches the color of your veil.”
“Certainly, I would be happy to dance at your event. As long as you’re able to make the arrangements behind the scenes.”
It was definitely my responsibility to market the event to make sure that there would be a solid turnout. Asala didn’t work for free, and it was my job to bring in enough customers to ensure she got paid.
And when the lights dimmed, and the folk music played, Asala emerged, moving deftly like a dangerous diva. Her giant, colorful wings made for a truly dramatic entrance eliciting accolades from the enthralled audience. Each note hummed in unison to the elegant strides of her taut, toned core. Her costume was glamorous and her choreography mysterious. She readily got diners to rise on their feet and celebrate this ancient art form from Mesopotamia. And Asala interacted well, holding her elegant smile and reading the audience’s delight, keeping them entertained and comfortable with a sense of mystery.
The reviews were glowing, but sadly, the initial attendance was pitiful. Few mainstream Washingtonians were avid fans of this exotic art or drive up to sleepy Woodley Park. Instead they congregated on the more popular H Street, 14th Street and Dupont Circle at the Hip Hop lounges swaying to the familiar sounds of R&B.
I thought about calling Jackie for another favor. Maybe Wayne could infuse the show with light-hearted laughter. But this time I called Rick from DC Capital Striders for a lifeline.
“Hey remember that Lebanese bistro we passed on Connecticut on the way to the Hungary and Czech Embassies?”
“Yes the Taverna. Love their hummus — great protein infused snack to fuel up right before a long run.”
“Well, we can’t make them a part of the EU Embassy Run, but can we instead host a meetup and entice runners with the healthy Mediterranean cuisine and high-energy dancing?”
The following week, runners from all over the DMV came in droves and saw the benefits of consuming hummus with tahini and shaking hips to tighten up the hips and belly.
Asala’s willowy arms and legs moved in synch, captivating and charming guests and runners alike. Her trademark was attractive and personable, and she was able to entice hardy runners to join her.
Rick Amernick dancing with Asala
“Have to say, this is the most exotic event, we’ve hosted so far,” Rick stated. “Great way to train for a marathon.”
“That’s hot guys. Women like dudes who can dance,” I remarked.
“Yes, that was a blast,” Orlando grinned. “Enjoyed balancing the air-cake on my head. That was indeed cake.”
“Glad you enjoyed it. Since you thought it was cake, you can balance my sword next time,” Asala said. “And you better not drop it on your toes.”
“Yes, that does seem quite dangerous,” Orlando said as he picked up the curved sword and felt the sharp blade.
“Next time, I’ll bring my Shamadan Candelabra. Dangerous men jump at the sight of fire.”
“My personal favorite are Asala’s wings. They’re colorful and shiny and quite dramatic,” I said.
“And the food was indeed healthy and appetizing,” Rick added. “If I ate here regularly, I wouldn’t need to run every day.”
“So happy you all enjoyed it and loved the audience participation,” Asala said. “I perform every Thursdays. Tell your friends to come — it’s better than yoga.”
“Yes, we need to fill up the restaurant. We love to bring in new guests who will also enjoy our food.” Charlie said.
“How ‘bout we host a fundraiser here next time.” I mentioned.
“Well get our fattoush and tabbouleh featured prominently online, and we’ll be happy to provide you with all the hummus you want for future events and fundraisers.”
“Thank you so much Charlie!”
Lebanese Taverna DC
“And next week, you should visit Grace, the owner, at the original Taverna in Arlington. Maybe she’s got more work for you to do. I know they need a new website to feature all their locations.”
* * *
The following year, we held fundraisers for We Are Family Senior Outreach Network and the Association of Young Americans. The relationship with Lebanese Taverna and Asala would pay off handsomely for months to come.
