Star Rating: 4.0
At a time when “immigration” has become such a stigmatized term, it’s inspiring to see that the “American Dream” is still alive and well in the Rio Grande Valley. Fares, is a story about a multi-generational, family owned restaurant, whose members persevered through an arduous and exhausting immigration policy. Their story, their struggle, their journey was not unlike ours. Now they too can attest to why Americans hold these truths to be self-evident; All people are created equal, all endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness!
So, where do we start? How do we convey and relate to you, why you should care, and why you should visit Fares to smell aromas, and taste flavors that are different and new to our community?
How many of you are familiar with Arab cuisine? For the majority of us, the answer will be a resounding, no, and understandably so, because we have such a homogeneous population. Most of us are either Mexican, or of Mexican descent, and although our demographics are changing, exposure to that which is “different” has been relatively new, and characteristically slow.
Some of us may be familiar with Mediterranean food; But calling Arabic cuisine, just another take on it, would be like comparing and accepting Mexican cuisine as the same as that from the Caribbean, Central, or South America. And, while in the western hemisphere, Mediterranean food and Arabic food are used interchangeably, technically they are not the same.
Essential to any cooking in the Arab world is the concept of hospitality and generosity. Meals are generally large family affairs, with lots of love, much sharing, and a great deal of warmth over the dinner table – affirming once again, we have more in common than not.
One of the greatest blessings of growing up and living in cities like Chicago, and Los Angeles, is that you’re afforded the luxury of traveling the world, and experiencing different cultures without ever leaving home. There you can visit ethnic neighborhoods, and sit down at a table to sample countless unique and amazing recipes whose names you can’t even pronounce.
That said, what’s the point in describing appetizers like Baba Ghannoj, Hummus, or Mohhamarah. And, that they have plates of Falafel, Kibbeh, or Yalangi. Or, what about the delicious Pita sandwiches, called Shawarmah (that are like Mexican Burritos) stuffed with perfectly seasoned, juicy cuts of lamb or chicken. And, how about their awesome Shish Kabobs, skewered and charcoal broiled cubes of lamb, chicken, or beef that are absolutely tantalizing. And if that weren’t enough, you’ll even find vegan and vegetarian choices that won’t disappoint. Finally, after pounding down all that scrumptious food, and sampling desserts like Baklava and Kunafa with a cup of Shari Hot Tea, or Arabic coffee, you’ll be full, and glad you came.
With family recipes from Syria, and a menu that is authentic as you can get; Fares has great food, prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, and a level of food prep and service that is consistent. The overall vibe is very comfortable – kept clean and well maintained with plenty of parking for everyone.
Folks, the point behind today's review is not to convince you that Arabic cuisine is better or worse than any other, but simply to express gratitude as “foodies” and to note how fortunate we are to finally have this cuisine in our back yard – our neighborhood. We recognize that more and more people from all parts of the globe are coming here, seeing the Valley as we do - a place to call home. This is why it’s important for us as a community to show the world, our hospitality. All shades and flavors, living together as one. Americans – proud of the red, white, and blue.
So, what are you waiting for? There’s a whole new world just around the corner, waiting for you…
