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"Natalie's Taste Of Lebanon" is an RVA destination

Nestled in the corner of a strip mall near Innsbrook, on Cox Road, is a local restaurant with what may be the finest Lebanese cuisine in town.

Matthew Sporn

Aug 24, 2018

Virginia Commonwealth University

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"Natalie's Taste Of Lebanon" is an RVA destination

Cheryl Messler Sporn

Nestled in the corner of a strip mall near Innsbrook, on Cox Road, is a local restaurant with what may be the finest Lebanese cuisine in town. "Natalie's Taste Of Lebanon," named after Natalie Schwartz, formerly of "Nora's Taste Of Lebanon," offers a cornucopia of Levantine specialties. Let me tell you about the meal I enjoyed there recently. (Brought Mom along with me!)

Yours truly on the beat!Matthew Sporn

I do have to mention that the night we chose to dine was their inaugural "Debke night." A lesson/celebration of the national dance of Lebanon. Needless to say it was quite busy! We had fresh-baked pita as our starter, with a side of sesame and thyme za'atar for dipping. This is basically their version of "bread for the table," and it didn't disappoint. For an appetizer, we chose Baba Ghannouj, made fresh in house, with warm pita. The Baba was flavorful, without one spice overpowering another.

Our baba ghannoujMatthew Sporn

When we finally decided on dinner (the menu makes FOMO an inevitability,) Mom orderedthe beef schwarma platter, served with rice and vermicelli (topped with almond and pine nuts,) and a tahini drizzle. I ordered Sheikh Al Mihshi, roasted eggplant stuffed with ground beef and pine nuts, along with rice and vermicelli. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was blown away with the flavour. I ended up cleaning my plate, the eggplant was cooked to perfection. Meanwhile Mom's eyes popped out of her head with her first bite of schawarma. The beef was spit-roasted to perfection, with the sumac, hummus, and tahini making the perfect complement to the succulent beef.

Neither of us could eat anything more, even if dessert was right in front of us. A return trip is a must. 37 appetizers (including salads and breads,) and about 20 main dishes, served with rice (or sometimes salad!) They even have gluten-free and vegan options. Natalie's portions are generous, just like being with family, and a to-go box will definitely be part of the evening.

Natalie's is located at 3601 Cox Road in Henrico, VA, (Innsbrook.) They are open Tuesday-thursday 11-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11-11pm, and Sunday 12:30-9pm.

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

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Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

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college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

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"Natalie's Taste Of Lebanon" is an RVA destination

Nestled in the corner of a strip mall near Innsbrook, on Cox Road, is a local restaurant with what may be the finest Lebanese cuisine in town.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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