Best Spots For Middle Eastern Culture In Los Angeles
It is a proven fact that some of the best socializing in the world can be done over a vegetarian platter, a bottle of Lebanese wine, background music from the Middle East and the smell of a double-apple flavored hookah. A few belly dancers moving sensually to the beat and pacing from one table to the next are additions that can make an evening all the more unforgettable. Create memories with Middle Eastern flare at any of the following establishments in our area.
Eden Garden Mediterranean Cuisine
1447 E Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 335-4447
edengardencafe.com
The patio at Eden Garden is spacious, heated and covered. This is a perfect place for dinner and drinks followed by smoking a flavored hookah and enjoying the belling dancing show. However, a good list of appetizers is available if you wish to make it a lighter evening. The menu, hookah flavors and entertainment hours are posted on the website listed above. Eden Garden offers valet parking but self-parking is also available nearby.
Sababa Dance Company
(323) 380-8171
sababadance.com
Anyone looking to enhance an upcoming social event – birthday, anniversary, wedding, etc – can consider this group of Middle Eastern dancers called Sababa. You could hire a soloist, or the entire group, and be completely entertained on your special day with unique music, movements and multiple props that include veils, finger cymbals and lots of color. Also, consider the group if you want to learn to move your own hips to sultry sounds from the Middle East.
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Dandana Hookah Lounge
765 W Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 335-8100
dandanacafe.com
Dandana has a covered and heated patio with music, food and hookahs available in the evenings and weekends. It has plenty of self, free parking but is a bit hard to find from the street. Wind around to the back of the building to find a spot. Dandana is very much like a typical Middle Eastern restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere where patrons can sit back and spend a couple of hours enjoying the open air and the restaurant's cuisine. Pair your hookah flavor accordingly with any meal selection for the ultimate experience.
Pyramido Greek and Mediterranean Grill
4907 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 761-0900
pyramidorestaurant.com
Pyramido has both indoor and outdoor dining. The food is tasty and affordable and hookahs are available on the patio surrounding the fire pit. There is also a full bar. Creating a fusion of cultures, on Saturdays after 9 p.m. and Sundays after 5 p.m., Pyramido is frequented by salsa dancers. Various DJs provide the music and Pyramido turns into a full-blown weekend party. See the experts show their moves and learn a thing or two yourself.
Rouhi Dance Studio
19320 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 609-9991
rouhidancestudio.com
A belly dancing performance can be beautiful and seductive, and it can also be a great workout. Iranian dancer Rouhi Savoji has spent a lifetime developing a unique style of Persian dance and belly dancing and now shares it with her students at the Rouhi Dance Studio. If you want a good cardio workout, consider a belly dancing class with Rouhi. Or if you want to extend your workout to the dance floor, Rouhi's school also offers tango, salsa and swing lessons.
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Dena Burroughs is a freelance writer living in Azusa, CA. She is a CSULA graduate with specialties in Creative Writing and Communications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
