The story below is a preview from our May/June 2018 issue. For more, Subscribe today or view our FREE digital edition.
Photo By John Park
Experiencing the foods of the world can be timely and expensive. Fortunately for Roanokers, there’s Williamson Road.
Bethlehem Restaurant & Grocery
In Palestine, families gather every holy day, to share a large meal. Each week, family members make decisions about how each person will contribute, and whose turn it is to host. Through food, family members express their love and commitment to one another. It is no wonder then, that Bethlehem Restaurant and Grocery is a place filled—not only with good food—but with a spirit of warmth and fellowship as well.
In 2000, Osama Amli, Ahmed Dar Nasser and Imad Qendah, met while attending Bir Zeit University in Palestine. The three became friends, and though each went his own way after college, they kept in touch through social media. In 2009, Qendah, now living in Roanoke, opened Bethlehem Restaurant and Grocery. After several years operating Bethlehem alone, Qendah was ready for partners. He invited Amli and Dar Nasser to join him. In 2017, Bethlehem became a three-partner business.
The partnership enabled the men to expand Bethlehem’s offerings. Amli says their ability to offer a variety of foods and grocery items is important. “In Roanoke, there are a lot of refugees. When they come to the [Commonwealth Catholic Charities] office, they tell [the refugees] they can get all their needs here. So, we have to get all our stuff for our people–all the Middle Eastern foods.”
The quality of Bethlehem’s food and their authentic hospitality make it an easy choice for dining. Everything I’ve eaten there is delicious. Their meat shawarma (chicken, beef or lamb) is a flavorful combination of seasoned, slow roasted meat and pickled vegetables. Their falafel—a Palestinian breakfast staple—has a smoky taste; unique from other falafel dishes I’ve tried. Their hummus is extra smooth; I love the olive oil they drizzle around its edges and the garnish of chickpeas and relish on top. When topped with their fava bean dip, ful mudammas, and served with pita bread, it is a tasty–and filling–meal in itself.
For dessert, I’ve had both their baklawa and kunafa. Both dishes are a treat. Their baklawa is made with pistachios and has a sweeter taste than the Greek version. Their kunafa is a warm cheese dessert: homemade cheese stuffed in shredded phyllo and topped with chopped pistachios and syrup. It’s a great dessert for sharing; even better with a cup of Jordanian coffee.
For all three partners, Bethlehem is a first in business ownership. The men put in long hours to ensure their restaurant and grocery feels like home. “We come in every day to do our best,” says Amli. “We cook from our hearts. That’s it.”
Contact Info & Hours:
1613 Williamson Rd NE,
Roanoke, VA 24012
(540) 904-6606
www.facebook.com/
Bethlehem-Restaurant-Grocery
Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am–11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
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