"The Sahara Desert does not reach Lebanon or even Michigan City. But its distant, exotic aura permeates the food, ambiance and feel of this oasis of Mediterranean cuisine. Sahara is a handsomely appointed restaurant with blood orange-painted walls, exposed brick walls and an antique molded tin ceiling painted yellow and beautiful framed photos. Potted palms complete the transformation. What looks like a glass garage door opens up the room to the refreshing spring air. Sitting inside Sahara, it's easy to imagine being transported to a suburban Beirut hilltop restaurant overlooking the ancient seaport dating back nearly four millennia, particularly as Greek and Arab music plays over the sound system of this intimate eatery. Sahara is a tapas-style restaurant with small plates of exquisite dishes, hot and cold appetizers prepared with exotic spices and unusual herbs both delicious and memorable. It's a Mediterranean-style of dining familiar to the warm-weather people of that neck of the world, a style conducive to conversational eating at a casual pace and sampling a wide selection of foods, not being confined to an entree's restricted companions. - The Post Tribune |