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"At Zach Engel’s Lincoln Park restaurant I found a Middle Eastern masterpiece where the salatim — Israeli salads served with heavenly pita — are not optional: labneh with hyssop and sumac and ezme with toasted walnuts stand out. I wouldn’t miss the crunchy falafel with pickled turnips and funky mango labneh or the crispy chicken thigh topped with whipped feta, harissa, and peas. The foie gras torchon arrives as a star alongside toasted challah and sour-cherry jam, and for dessert there’s a sweet khachapuri filled with hazelnut pastry cream and poached apricots, finished with tarragon ice cream." - Jeffy Mai