Photo Credit: Moona Restaurant
Cambridge’s Inman Square received an Eastern Mediterranean addition when Moona opened its doors last year. Based on the Arabic word “mana” or “ma’oona” for storing, the English translation is better known as “pantry.”
According to the restaurant, “In the past, especially in remote villages in the Arab World, the moona was prepared during the bountiful harvest for consumption during winter’s harsh days, providing fundamental nourishment for the daily meal, having transformed perishable produce into food with a long shelf life.” Think olives, pickles, preserved lemons, cheese, herbs, jams, etc., which is the focus of the menu here with dishes like daily lamb with pickled cucumber and tahini; grilled striped bass and couscous tfaya.
We caught up recently with Mohamad El Zein, Moona’s co-owner, to find out what he loves most about Boston.
Where were you born: Abu Dhabi, UAE
How long in Boston: 20 years
Neighborhood: Chestnut Hill
Occupation: Restaurant owner
Favorite Restaurant: Townsman
Best Sushi: o ya, next to South Station
Best Italian: Erbaluce, Bay Village
Best dessert: Everything at Sofra
Best place for a romantic date: Sorellina
Best Sunday brunch: Masa, South End
Best place for a power business meeting: Bristol Lounge, Four Seasons
If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Mandarin Oriental
Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Bloomingdale’s, Chestnut Hill
Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Hannoush Jewelers
Best Spa: Inman Oasis
Favorite Charity Event: Palestine Children’s Relief Fund
Favorite Cultural Event: Palestine Film Festival
Favorite Cultural Institution: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Best Steakhouse: Grill 23, Back Bay
Best Pizza: Coppa, South End
Best Lunch: South End Pita, Boston
Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Equinox
Best Massage: Inman Oasis, Inman Square, Cambridge
Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber
Best Museum/Exhibit: Isabella Gardner Museum
Describe Boston in three words: Home, Charming, Beautiful
Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Walden Pond
All-around favorite spot in Boston: At home with my wife and kids
Best Aspect of Boston: Four seasons and amazing accessibility to many great cities
News
August 29, 2017Retreat To Scottsdale's True Desert Sanctuary
