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"In a neutral-toned grab-and-go spot in Little Burgundy, I encountered Lulu Épicerie, a five-month-old épicerie on Notre‑Dame West serving traditionally and deliciously made shawarma, shish taouk, and manakeesh. Their shawarma is fiercely traditional and uncompromising on the ratio of meat to sauce to bread, wrapped in marqouq (a thin, crisp alternative to pita); the chicken shawarma features garlic sauce, wild pickles, and a touch of pomegranate molasses (there are also beef and potato options). I also found charcoal-grilled meats like kafta and shish taouk, an assortment of mouajanat, and manakeesh (try the half cheese, half za'atar). As an épicerie they aim to stock artisanal Lebanese olive oil, wine, jam, and spices, though imports have been delayed by supply-chain and political turmoil; for now they carry the Ya Habibi catalogue (salt-scented candles and vintage mixtape battery packs whose proceeds support charities). Lulu hosts pop-ups and vinyl-only DJs and is open daily at 2507 Notre‑Dame Street West — great for a quick bite, a picnic, or a shawarma party platter." - Valerie Silva