Zenobia brings cultured tastes to Canfield

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Throw rug in dining area showcasing customs and traditions.

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Side view of Zenobia featuring an outside patio.

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Cultural artifacts displayed inside Zenobia.

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Hand painted portrait of Queen Zenobia located behind the front counter.

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Chicken over rice entree with hand made garlic sauce and fresh onions, peppers and pita bread.

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Zenobia owner Izdihar Mansour shows off the cultural artifacts from her native country that are displayed on the shelf behind her.

By SHAIYLA HAKEEM

shakeem@vindy.com

The authentic taste from Syria can be enjoyed without having to travel across the globe. Zenobia provides a rare glimpse into the Arabic culture and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Located Canfield’s Hilltop Village Plaza, Zenobia offers authentic Middle Eastern cuisine the whole family can enjoy. Izdihar Mansour, restaurant owner and Syrian native, says that everything she serves is hand-prepared and made daily from freshest vegetables available.

“It’s all fresh, everything is fresh. Even the meat, even the rice,” explains Mansour, “For children, I have chicken tenders or chicken wings. But they can eat anything here.”

Mansour, who has a passion for history, wanted her restaurant to embrace the rich history of her ancestry. The restaurant is named in honor of Zenobia, an ancient Syrian queen.

According to Mansour, Queen Zenobia is considered to be an important historical figure to the Arabic culture. This is why she specifically chose to use Zenobia’s name rather than using the traditional family title. The restaurant features an ambiance full of photographs and musical artifacts showcasing various Arabic values and customs. Customers are exposed to Arabian musical artists that can be viewed and heard from the televisions within the dining area.

Mansour says that she offers authentic entrees made from family recipes passed down from Syria. College student and Lebanon native Yarh Wehbe relates the food of Zenobia to her home county.

She says that Zenobia is, “Really close to the food back home in Lebanon, they have the best Tabbouleh [vegetable salad]!”

Zenobia is new to the Canfield area, but popularity of their custom cuisine is rapidly growing.

Canfield resident Annette El-Hayek says that the food at Zenobia is very healthy and is of good quality. When Zenobia is closed, she says she sometimes experiences symptoms of withdrawal.

“I’ve given up cooking and now make reservations,” says El-Hayek, “We eat here two to three times a week.”

Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of this culturally centered restaurant. Daily specials are available along with a possible menu expansion in the summer. Zenobia does not currently offer alcoholic beverages, but according to Mansour, wine and beer will be added to the menu in the near future.

Contact information, a virtual menu, entree photographs and driving directions can all be obtained at www.zenobiacuisine.com.