A Taste of Beirut

A few weeks ago, Passion Stories contacted me to shoot their next story. I was put in touch with a baker that I knew little about, and was asked to snap a few photographs of him in his element. So on May 2, I found myself taking the train down to the Village, and on the corner of Bleecker and Macdougal there was a small shop that boasted authentic Lebanese cuisine. Flatbreads, to be exact. 

Light spilled into the store as I pulled open the door. I noticed that the walls, like their oven, were brick. It was a charming little place, filled with the aroma of spices that I didn't quite recognize, but enjoyed nonetheless. The staff greeted me with kind eyes and warm smiles, and directed me to the man I was there to photograph: Ziyed Hermez.

We spoke about what inspired him to open up shop. He said that growing up in Lebanon, this was what kids had for breakfast, after school as a snack, or even as a late night bite after going out. After moving to New York, he found himself craving it, and yet, in a city where you can find almost anything, the presence of Lebanese flatbread was sadly absent. It was then that he decided to bring a taste of his childhood into the Big Apple. With his contribution to one of the world's biggest melting pots, Manousheh was established. Needless to say, the food was delicious, and unlike anything I've ever tried before. 

Be sure to visit them at the address below, and keep an eye out for the blog post on Passion Stories.

Manousheh Address: 193 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012