Hurray for Hummus!

Did you know that tomorrow (May 13) is National Hummus Day? It’s hard to resist this Mediterranean dip — and really, why should you? Typically made with chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, garlic, lime juice and salt, it’s packed with nutritional value and can be eaten guilt-free. That is, of course, assuming you don’t go crazy on the pita (pillowy soft bread) it usually comes with. While there’s only a handful of ingredients that make up the spread, hummus varies from place to place, not only because of added spices or herbs (or protein placed on top) but because of its texture, which can depend on the ratios used. Some folks prefer a smoother, more blended variety, while others enjoy one that’s got more chunkiness to it. Either way, we are happy there are so many spots offering hummus. Here’s a sampling to get you started.  

Abba Telavivian Kitchen

This inviting eatery is set in a charming house in Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood.  There’s lots of outdoor seating in the cozy patio outfitted with plus pillow-laden banquettes for those preferring al fresco dining. Emulating the vibrant café life of Tel-Aviv, Abba (which means “dad” in Hebrew) offers a myriad of delectable Israeli breakfast and brunch classics (we’re looking at you, Shakshuka) but you’ll want to begin with their hummus — a generous portion that comes crowned with an herb-centric spicy sauce as well as a fire-baked Jerusalem bagel or the Mesabecha which adds a soft-boiled egg, garbanzo, tahini, olive oil and herbs.

Abba Telavivian Kitchen is located at 864 Commerce St., Miami Beach. For more information, click here.

Amar Mediterranean Bistro

Owner Nicolas Kurban graces diners with his Lebanese heritage and extensive hospitality experience alongside celebrity chefs like Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck. Kurban prepares dishes that are fresh, healthy and straightforward — his hummus, one of the best we’ve had — is a perfect example of that. For a match made in heaven order the Hummus With Lamb which comes with braised minced lamb, pine nuts and Aleppo pepper. For those wanting a bit more to sample, the “Taste of Amar” tasting menu is an ideal way to experience the variety of dishes available. All pair well with the hot pita that arrives straight from the restaurant's wood-burning oven. There’s also a thoughtful wine list under the stewardship of Eric Hammer, a talented sommelier.

Amar Mediterranean Bistro is located at 522 East Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, click here.

Carrot Express

The Miami fast-casual spot known for healthy eating has just opened its first restaurant in Boca Raton. There are plenty of delicious dishes and drinks to choose from here, but you won’t be steered wrong with their new platter, The Middle Eastern Platter, a highlight of the greatest hits:  hummus, falafel, quinoa tabbouleh and baba ghanoush.

Carrot Express is located at 10 East Palmetto Park Rd. Unit 102, Boca Raton. For more information, click here.

Fern Street Wine Bar & Kitchen

The downtown West Palm Beach restaurant focuses on sustainable dining in a gallery setting with Chef Eddy Zapil featuring a Hummus and Wood Fire Vegetable Platter with house-made hummus, charred broccoli, carrots, asparagus, cauliflower, red and yellow baby tomatoes and sauteed onions.  The experience is as tasty as it is guilt-free!

Fern Street Wine Bar & Kitchen is located at 501 Fern St. #104, West Palm Beach. For more information, click here.

Pura Vida WPB 

Drizzled with olive oil, chickpeas, paprika and fresh herbs, Pura Vida’s irresistible hummus (which has a dedicated fan base in Miami) is now available in West Palm Beach. Served with toasted whole wheat pita, enjoy in the bright and airy space that feels less like a restaurant and more like a cozy living room or den.

Pura Vida WPB is located at 460 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. For more information, click here.

Seasy

Serving healthy sea-side Mediterranean fare and traditional Italian cuisine, sample one of their most popular starters, the Grilled Octopus with Seasy Signature Hummus served with green beans and cherry tomatoes. The savory spread is the perfect blend of chickpeas, sesame oil, tajin seasoning and fresh lime juice and pairs beautifully with the octopus.

Seasy is located at 136 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. For more information, click here.

Strawberry Moon

Singer/songwriter Pharrell Williams has teamed up with hospitality guru David Grutman in this very pretty Mediterranean newcomer. Chef Roel Alcudia is the talent behind the Meze Bar featuring classic homemade hummus with tahini which is then topped with Calabrian chili and pepperoncini to give it a personality all of its own.

Strawberry Moon is located in The Goodtime Hotel at 601 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. For more information, click here.