THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Open Sesame

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Open Sesame Restaurant Review:

Open Sesame’s large patio provides welcome seating during Manhattan Beach’s frequently temperate days, while inside a simple but modern dining room is done in calming tones of amber, chocolate and red. A vast menu highlights options from Lebanese, Greek and Turkish cuisines. The sampler plate is the best way to taste a variety of appetizers, such as the vegetarian "kibbi" --- a fried nugget of bulgur wheat, tomato, onion and herbs, which is surprisingly light and airy, as well as "labne" --- a creamy cheese dip that is well-suited to slathering on the accompanying warm pita bread. A variety of pita sandwiches and Mediterranean-style pizzas topped with herbs and spices like thyme, sesame seeds and sumac are available, and quality meats are showcased among the entrées. "Kabssa" is a chunky lamb stew served over basmati rice studded with raisins, onions, tomatoes and pine nuts. Filet mignon kebabs, a nine-ounce portion, are plentiful, tender and cooked to medium. Desserts are limited to the traditional baklava or cheese-filled pastries, and there are a few Lebanese beers and wines worth sampling.