Lebanese American Festival will feature culinary treats, entertainment

Sometimes, the hit of the food festival surprises even the organizers.

Last year's second Lebanese American Festival featured all of the crowd favorites, such as falafel and schwarma and grape leaves. But it was the manaeish that drew the crowds.

Don't know what manaeish is? Perhaps you should go to the third festival, which is scheduled for Friday through Sunday at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Mission, 10325 Rancho Destino Road, near Cactus Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South.

"There was a huge line last year" at the manaeish booth, said Raymonda Dagher, spokeswoman for the festival.

So what is manaeish? Grilled dough, either plain or with cheese, olive oil, and thyme and oregano, that Dagher said is made on a device resembling an upside-down wok.

"They can see it and it's bubbly and delicious and hot," she said. "It's a very healthy snack, too."

And it won't be the only thing fairgoers will be able to see cooked before their eyes; the falafel will be fried on the scene as well, she said.

Church members have been hard at work preparing the food. Dagher said one family is making 2,000 balls of kibbee, which is a traditional appetizer of meat, cracked wheat and onions.

"The kibbee balls are very popular with the Brazilians and Americans and Hispanics," Dagher said. "And the tabbouleh; you can't go far without the tabbouleh and the hummus. Hummus is very popular right now, so people know what it is."

There also will be meat pies, spinach pies and cheese pies, she said, plus sweets including baklava.

But of course there will be plenty to do in between all of the eating. The weekend will feature traditional dancing including belly dance performances and lessons, live Arabic bands, and activities for kids including rides and games, since festival organizers bill it as a family-oriented event. It's community-oriented as well; a blood drive by United Blood Services is scheduled for Sunday.

Admission is $3 for adults, free for children 12 and younger, and all proceeds go to St. Sharbel's mission programs, including a new school and community outreach program.

Some 6,000 people attended last year. Dagher said organizers are hoping for 10,000 to 15,000 this year.

For more information, visit www. LebaneseAmericanFestival.org.

Contact reporter Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0474.