I’ve always believed that the absolute best icebreaker is a shared meal. Sitting down at Waterside at Solaire Resort Entertainment City recently, I was reminded of exactly why.

We had gathered to experience the latest stop on Waterside’s year-long “Eat Around the World” series. As we settled in, the initial, slightly stiff polite chatter began. But as the plates began to hit the table and the vibrant, aromatic flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean — specifically Lebanon, Syria and Turkey — filled the air, that formality slowly melted away.

Magic of the mezze

The feast began exactly how a meal meant for socializing should: with an expansive spread of cold and hot mezzeh.

As we passed around the plates, it struck me how perfectly this Levantine dining style mirrors our own Filipino tradition of salo-salo. There’s an immediate intimacy in sharing dishes from the center of the table. We tore into warm, tender pita bread, using it to scoop up generous portions of creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, crisp tabbouleh and a stunningly vibrant beetroot mutabal.

A SELECTION of hot mezzeh.A quick favorite around the table was the Warak Enab, a delightful blend of beef and rice wrapped in tender grape leaves that delivered a bright, lemony tang.

The hot mezzeh looked very similar to our empanadas, but with Mediterranean flavors, of course; and the bowl of liver was like adobo, but more intense in spices.

By the time we the mains were set before us, the new faces at the table felt like old friends, bonding over our shared love for garlic and citrus.

Familiar flavors, exotic spices

While the Levant might be geographically distant from the Philippines, its food feels incredibly close to home. The Filipino palate is fiercely loyal to garlic, acidity (asim) and grilled meats (inihaw), making this menu a guaranteed hit.

When the Mashwi Grill platter was set before us, a shiver of appreciation went around the table. We had our fill of tender lamb chops drizzled with two kinds of creamy yogurt sauce; Shish Tawook (grilled chicken skewers), and grilled ground patties of beef and lamb. The meats were deeply marinated and seasoned with exotic spices like tart sumac and earthy za’atar, hitting the exact same cravings as our local barbecue, but with a beautiful Mediterranean twist.

The undisputed centerpiece, however, was the Lamb Ouzi. The slow-cooked lamb shank practically fell off the bone, resting on a bed of fragrant basmati rice.

Also unforgettable was the Samak, a tender seabass, perfectly seasoned and grilled!

We wrapped up our culinary detour with a dessert called Kunafa that was not on the menu, made of sweet crispy topping and Waterside’s signature blend of mozzarella, halloumi and ricotta, drizzled with a sauce of citrus and honey.

It was a relaxing, convivial afternoon that proved a simple truth: whether you call it a salo-salo or a mezze, the joy of a good meal is always amplified when it is shared.

Embark on a luxurious culinary escape and discover the flavors, traditions, and timeless charm of the Levantine shores at Waterside. Diners who visit the restaurant every month to sample a new culinary adventure can earn the Waterside Passport (or Plane Ticket Card). For every monthly destination you visit in the series, you earn a stamp, eventually qualifying for a year-end grand raffle featuring luxury dining and leisure experiences. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8888 8888 or visit https://sec.solaireresort.com/offers/dining/waterside-eat-around-the-world-mediterranean-levantine. Solaire Rewards members enjoy up to 20% off dining, while new members who sign up for Solaire Rewards may receive 30% off their first dining bill.