Brian H.
Yelp
One of my old favorites, Lebanese Taverna, recently shutdown in order to move to a new location within the same Congressional Plaza shopping center with a new name and concept; LebTav, a fast casual Lebanese restaurant. I will admit that I was somewhat apprehensive having heard that the Annapolis location recently made the same change with mixed results. Despite that I was in the mood for falafel and went in with an open mind and hungry stomach.
If I have one take away it is that this is about cost cutting. The menu has been greatly reduced down to sandwiches, salads and bowls where you choose a protein (falafel or a meat) and a handful of mezze dishes. Gone is the halal roast chicken, various Lebanese entrees, alcohol and the large mezze platters that were great to share with a big group. Staff also feels greatly reduced with 4 people working a Friday night. They seemed a bit overwhelmed, less friendly and, despite the "fast casual" concept, I think service was possibly faster at the old place. To be fair, this is a new restaurant and they may just need time to adjust to the changes. The interior is nicely furnished though much more contemporary than the original. Unfortunately the cozy lighting of the old place has been replaced with sterile hospital style fluorescent squares.
As for the food it tasted no different but the portions seemed smaller. I was especially disappointed with the size of the falafel sandwich considering what you get at Amsterdam Falafel or Oh Mama Grill for a similar price. Again, I have to ask if the change is all about lowering costs of operation. Overall I wasn't totally displeased, I would go back, a solid 3 stars for "A-ok". Still, I'm quite saddened to loose my full menu Lebanese restaurant, especially when there are already fast casual Mediterranean spots like Roti and Cava around.