Tag Archives: Lebanese Taverna

May 2, 2016 · 6:27 pm

Lebanese Taverna: A Local Favorite for Family Dining

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Like many families, we have our go-to restaurants for a meal out together. And by go-to I mean places with menus that appeal to all of us, are welcoming to the kids, and generally make us feel that our dining experience was worth it.

Lebanese Taverna is a go-to for us. Everyone in our family loves eating there — which is pretty amazing given Sasha’s very picky eating habits. The delicious Mediterranean flavors and nice variety of dishes practically guarantee a good meal every time we go. I usually try something different every visit, and have never been disappointed. A Kids Menu offers smaller portions of several Lebanese classics, plus there are many small plates (Mezza) and sandwiches on the main menu that work for children, too.

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Owen and Sasha went that route at a recent dinner there; she ordered the Camel Wings (chicken wings with a flavorful spice) while Owen opted for the shawarma (he likes it so much, he gets the regular size). And we usually start with hummus for the table because it’s so good — this, on top of the bread and seasoned oil they bring to each table.

That same visit I tried their boullabaisse for the first time, Levi the salmon, and we both really enjoyed our entrees. I’ve also had the chicken shawarma, falafel, fatteh, lamb sandwich, and a few of the salads on other occasions. (I did mention it’s a go-to, right?) And not only is it a great place to go to with the family, it’s also a nice spot with just grown-ups. We’ve even been to a friend’s birthday celebration party at the Woodley Park location, which was lovely with a great selection of food in a private room.

The ambiance at Lebanese Taverna needs to be noted, too. The restaurants are nice and spacious, with hand-painted tiles decorating many tabletops and big, patterned pillows lining benches. That, and friendly, inviting service make the atmosphere relaxing and comfortable.

And while Lebanese Taverna is one to keep in mind for any time, a perfect occasion to go with the whole family is this Sunday when you can enjoy the Mother’s Day Unlimited Mezza Special. It’s a great opportunity to sample many great dishes and, of course, celebrate the special day. Cost is $37/adult, $15/ages 6-12.

Hungry? Go reserve your table now!

Lebanese Taverna is a family owned and operated chain of restaurants in the Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland area. The first restaurant was opened in 1979. Today, there are 6 restaurants, 4 cafes, and a market that focus of providing authentic Lebanese cuisine and bringing a bit of the culture too. They have been voted Best Mediterranean Reader’s Choice by Bethesda Magazine and consecutively listed in the 50 Best Restaurants by Northern Virginia Magazine.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Lebanese Taverna, but all opinions expressed here are entirely my own, and I only promote places, products, and services that I truly believe in and/or think would appeal to KFDC readers.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: April 22-26

Feeding the peacocks during a birthday party at Old Maryland Farm

Monday – Enjoy a special Earth Day session of Story Time for Families at the National Museum of the American Indian. Join staff at 11:15am in the imagiNATIONS Activity Center on the 3rd floor to hear the story When the Shadbush Blooms, about the Lenni Lenape, a Native community from the Chesapeake region. These interactive Hok-noth-da (“Did you hear?” in the Shawnee language) readings usually take place Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, but they’ve added another one this week. Plan to spend time before or after exploring the many hands-on exhibits in the center geared toward children. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Visit ponies, donkeys, peacocks, chickens, bunnies, and llamas at Old Maryland Farm in Watkins Regional Park. When you’re done, head over to the nearby playground to let the kids climb and swing. Admission is free to both. The farm is open 9am – 4pm Tuesday – Friday (9am – 4:30pm on Saturdays, 11:30am – 4:30pm on Sundays and holidays). And if you live in DC, don’t forget to vote in the special election!

Wednesday – It’s Kids Day at Lebanese Taverna in Arlington. Enjoy free children’s entertainment every Wednesday from 10-11am. And stay after for a tasty bite to eat!

Thursday – See some of the most wonderful, whimsical art around at the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. The colorful, quirky works — some of them interactive — can be appreciated by art buffs of all ages. Hours are 10am – 6pm. Admission is $15.95/adults, $13.95/seniors, $9.95/students & children 7 and up, free for ages 6 and under

Friday – Get a dose of nature in an unexpected place at Winkler Botanical Preserve. Located just off 395 and Seminary Road in Alexandria, the park is a nice outdoor surprise in an area full of office complexes and strip malls. Hours are 8:30am – 4pm, and admission is free.

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Filed under All ages, Animals, Art, DC, Eats, Educational, Farm, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Ongoing, Outdoor, Park, Spring, Virginia, Weekdays

Tagged as American Visionary Art Museum, DC Kids Activities, DC Museums for Kids, DC outdoors, DC Weekdays April 22-26, imagiNATIONS, kids in DC, Lebanese Taverna, National Museum of the American Indian, Old Maryland Farm, Spring in DC, Things to do with Kids in DC, Things to do with Kids in Maryland, Things to do with kids in Northern Virginia, Winkler Botanical Preserve

February 5, 2012 · 9:16 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: February 6-10

Discovering "How Things Fly" at the National Air & Space Museum

Monday – Engage in imaginative play in the various themed rooms and crafts areas at the Playseum. Admission is $6/person (siblings under 10 months are free) and is good for the whole day. Locations in Capitol Hill and Bethesda are convenient to many eateries for pre- or post-play lunch.

Tuesday – Combine story and play time at the National Building Museum. The Book of the Month program is back at the Building Zone, so guests can hear a reading of The Big Orange Splot and participate in a corresponding activity along with the usual fun in the play space. Readings are at 10:30am & 11:30am, and don’t forget that admission to the Building Zone is now $3, and entry is timed, with guests admitted every hour. Make it a bigger NBM outing and head upstairs for Lego play in the LEGO Architecture exhibit ($5/person) and/or hang out in the Great Hall, where large soft Lego blocks and arch building kits are often available.

Wednesday – It’s Kids Day at Lebanese Taverna in Arlington. Enjoy free children’s entertainment every Wednesday from 10-11am. On the schedule this week: Groovy Nate. Stay after for a tasty bite to eat!

Thursday – Let fun take flight at the National Air & Space Museum. Be sure to stop by the “How Things Fly”exhibit, which is full of hands-on displays that little ones love to demo. And check the schedules for the planetarium and IMAX theatre — both present interesting films and shows about space and flight throughout the day.

Friday – How about storytime at the largest library in the world? The Young Readers Center at the Library of Congress hosts readings every Friday at 10am and 11am. The free sessions are designed for babies and toddlers (0-3 years old), but older children are welcome, too. Each lasts about 25 minutes, with 20 minutes of play afterwards, then clean-up. The Young Readers Center is located in the Jefferson Building (Room LJ G29) at 10 First Street SE.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: October 17-21

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens... lots of lily pads, but where are the frogs?

Monday – Children up to age 5 can become Young Portrait Explorers and discover the National Portrait Gallery through history and art. During this session they will learn about writer Gertrude Stein by viewing her portrait and listening to a story about her, then participating in a related hands-on activity.

Tuesday – Go on a nature walk at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. See ponds filled with giant lily pads and other interesting marsh plants and look for geese, great blue herons, turtles, frogs, and tiny fish on the way. Open 7am – 4:30pm. Admission is free.

Wednesday – Let Mr. Gabe entertain little ones at Lebanese Taverna in Arlington. The show is part of their weekly Kid’s Day series that presents a different performer from 10-11am. Stay after for a yummy Middle Eastern lunch.

Thursday – Join in a jump session at Pump It Up in Lanham, Md. From 10-11:30am, kids ages 2-6 can pop in for pre-K play time. Admission is $8. Parents play for free and must accompany children. Don’t forget socks!

Friday – Head into the weekend with some fun at the National Zoo. Go during the day to visit the animals or do some early Halloween celebrating as Boo at the Zoo kicks off in the evening (tickets still available for Friday night as this post goes live).