In fact, many of the shoppers and diners enjoying themselves during my visits seemed to fall generally between plain and pleasant looking, with only occasional beautiful people interspersed among us. And on a non-food-related point, I am pleased to note that, although Eton bills itself as “beautiful places for the beautiful people,” average-looking people such as myself are not actively prevented from visiting.

This said, I was pleased to satisfy both my craving for Middle Eastern cuisine and my curiosity with what new offerings the Chamouns had in store. So, thanks to their food, I can still see almost all of the buttons on the front of my shirt. In fact, if it weren’t for Lebanese food, I probably wouldn’t eat anything moderately healthy ever. I had been anxious to experience Taza, as I’ve been a twice-a-week Aladdin’s fan for years. Two days before Thanksgiving 2005, the couple moved their popular concept into the upscale market and launched Taza Lebanese Grill in Woodmere’s Eton Chagrin Boulevard. They wanted to serve the fresh, healthy food of their native Lebanon in a clean and comfortable environment and, 21 or so Aladdin’s Eateries later, it appears that their idea was a hit in Northeast Ohio and several other Midwestern cities.

Business Hall of Fame and Community Leader of the Year AwardsĮleven years ago, Fady and Sally Chamoun, tired of operating Little Caesar’s Pizza franchises (and who can blame them), converted a corner deli at Detroit and Belle in Lakewood into a Lebanese restaurant named Aladdin’s Eatery (after some guy who found a lamp or something).

Taza fresh grill