Sam Hakim Jr. seasons each batch of kibbeh by hand.
I’m asked nearly every day, “Why did you start The Hungry Dudes?” My answer is always the same, “Passion.” However, that passion had to arise from something. I was lucky growing up – my mom and both of grandmothers could cook very well. Emily, grandma on my dad’s side, cooked so well that 40 years ago her and her husband decided to open a deli.
Emily’s Deli in Saint Clair Shores is the starting point of my culinary interest. Ever since I was 4 years old, I’ve been eating traditional ethnic foods like hummus, tabbouleh, fatayer (meat pies), baklava, and (of course) kibbeh nayyeh. Hummus and tabbouleh are fairly commonplace these days. From Middle Eastern restaurants to sports bar to fine dining seems like hummus pops up on menus when you’d least expect it.
Kibbeh, however, does not. Kibbeh is ground lamb mixed with bulghur wheat and spices. Though it can be served baked, fried, boiled, or grilled, my preparation of choice is nayyeh (raw). Essentially Middle Eastern steak tartare, kibbeh nayyeh is topped with olive oil and onion and served with pita bread. For me, though, my perfect plate of kibbeh also has fresh jalapeno and a sprinkling of feta cheese (not traditional, I know, but oh so delicious).
Kibbeh nayyeh with onion slices
My brother Sam Jr. makes the kibbeh nayyeh by hand using the recipe handed down by Emily, our Sito (grandmother). I eat kibbeh at least once every two weeks. It is my ultimate comfort food.
Sam Jr. hand mixing the kibbeh.
I have fond memories from my childhood of riding my bike to Emily’s on a hot summer day and fixing a big plate of kibbeh nayyeh to fuel myself for the rest of the day. Back then, Sam Jr. wasn’t making the kibbeh, Emily was. In fact, Emily still cooks at the deli. If you visit Tuesday through Saturday around lunch, she will be there making meat pies, cookies, and grape leaves. You’d also meet my father, who is unforgettable even after one visit.
Emily’s is carry out only, but if you catch my dad and brother on a good day, you’ll end up hanging out for a while anyway.
Sam Sr., Emily, and Sam Jr.
I LOVE Emily’s! We have been going there since I was a kid. Tell everyone the Hickey’s & Tannous’s say hi!
We have been going to Emily’s since the early 70′s. Tell your father, HI, from the owners of the leather stores. He will remember. He probably doesn’t know our name, just our faces. We both started our businesses about the same time, but we closed after 30 years. I hope he NEVER CLOSES, the best, yes the best Syrian-Lebanese food ever. Now I have to get over there and drop a couple hundred. Really that is what we end of spending. That way we can enjoy for several days.
Barb
Just a thought, how about posting receipe?
And just reveal the family secret? I’ll see what I can find…
The ONLY place I eat Kibbeh Nayyeh from except my own kitchen……then I get the meat from Sammy. Unsurpassed for the flavors of my own mother when I don’t want to cook!