Adam McLane

Don’t Ban LaShish

LashishA few weeks ago I posted an entry about the ownership of the LaShish Restaurant chain being investigated for possible ties to terrorism. Here in Detroit, this has been an ongoing story with regular updates and tabloid quality reporting.

This Saturday we had our annual June Birthday and Anniversary Towerpic_1Celebration for everyone in our family. (I think there are 10 or more celebrations combined into that single meal.) As usual, everyone got together and we devoured the infamous "Flaming Tower." This tower of Palestinian goodness packs beef, chicken, lamb, shrimp, and vegetable skewers together… all piled high and topped with a ridiculous bowl of fire. It’s so tacky that you have to get excited about it.  As my beloved wife mentioned a few weeks ago, I don’t like holidays or celebrations all that much. But for once, I love this thing. It’s just a lot of fun and the flaming tower is the center piece to our day.

But, this is what bothered me with this trip. The place was empty. The sad thing is that I think the place was vacant because of the investigation into the ownership. And, it was really sad to see such a great place so empty. Now, I’m as red-blooded as everyone else… but I just don’t get why people would stay away from LaShish. Here’s a couple of things I thought of.

  1. It’s one of the best places to eat in town. In fact, I can’t think of a better place to eat for the money.
  2. The wait staff is now and always is fantastic. They are knowledgeable about their products and overly polite to "stupid Americans" who say all the wrong things culturally.
  3. The ownership is under investigation. Last time I read the constitution there was something in there about "Being innocent until proven guilty." Does this somehow not apply to people of Middle Eastern decent? Have Americans gotten that dumb?
  4. Even if they are guilty… you would think that the place would be packed full of Bush haters.
  5. Even if they are guilty, you would think every Presbyterian in town would be required to eat there to "not support Israel."

So, if you’ve been staying away from the place because of this investigation… cut it out! The place is still fantastic.

Man, I’m so positive you would think I were hired to endorse them or something? I can see that headline "Baptist pastor signs endorsement deal with Palestinian restaurant" Bring it on.

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6 responses to “Don’t Ban LaShish”

  1. Patrick Williams Avatar
    Patrick Williams

    Why go to La Shish when there are a ton of independent places with the exact same menu? I have two new places pop up in the last year with the same menu and style as La Shish (plus a new La Shish across the street as well). My personal favorite is Beruit Palace on 15 mile and Dequindre or in Royal Oak… Cheaper and better than La Shish… no investigations there either…

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  2. adam Avatar
    adam

    All I’m saying is that if you are a regular at LaShish and you are staying away because of the investigation… I got a problem with that. Of course, if you like the menu/prices better go somewhere else. I have friends that adore “Ike’s” on VanDyke. While I think it’s good, I still prefer LaShish. I’ve been to several LaShish’s and the thing that puts them above others in my eyes is quality of service.

    Of course none of them are as good as Old Jerusalem on Wells St. in Chicago. http://www.oldjerusalemrestaurant.com/ And neither of those are quite as good as I remember the kebab stands in Germany… though I had an outstanding kebab in Belfast last summer. The place right near Queens University, fantastic.

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  3. tom Avatar
    tom

    I’m just sad that I can’t get food like that near me. When I lived in CA. there was an abundance of amazing Middle Eastern Cafes. Now that I’m in Florida, I’ve yet to find any. SO Sad. Asd for La Shish. It sounds like the Media has once again done their best to destroy something for a story.

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  4. Patrick Williams Avatar
    Patrick Williams

    Mmm…. I’m hungry…

    Reply
  5. furious1 Avatar
    furious1

    Adam…I sincerely want to thank you for standing by La Shish and it’s employees. It seems that you are one of very few people who still have a mind of their own and are not brainwashed by all the bullsh** being said by the media. I agree with all five of the thoughts you listed and no one could have summed it up better. (I especially liked the “innocent until proven guilty” part.) Thanks again. – P.S. I am VERY furious about what people like Debbie Schlussel are saying about La Shish. The sad thing is that people are actually siding with her! It’s digusting and very disappointing. See for yourself.
    http://www.debbieschlussel.com/archives/2006/05/la_shish_owner.html

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  6. adam Avatar
    adam

    You are welcome. I am a conservative and I get the idea that me and Ms. Schlussel may agree politically. But she seems to be ignorant of the difference between an indictment and a conviction. If the things she said are true… than those people deserve to go to jail. But they are nothing more than allegations until the jury makes some decisions.

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