Restaurant notes: Middle East rivalry
Two new BYOBs, just a few blocks apart.
Looks like a Middle Eastern BYO rivalry is shaping up.
The spot at the southeast corner of 13th and Pine Streets that was Leila Cafe will become King Tut, serving what Egyptian-born building owner Thamer Seoudi calls "ancient cuisine built on nature." He also asserts that he is a direct descendant of Tutankhamun and that he owns another King Tut location in Glassboro, N.J. Menu will include samak tahini (a fish dish) and some Greek specialties plus hookahs. He expects to open about Dec. 1, serving on two levels plus outside. Seoudi says he and Leila owner Mohamad Kammoun had a falling out.
Kammoun, meanwhile, is building out a new space a few blocks away, at 1356 South St. for Leila Cafe. This was noted in late September on Brownstoner. Kammoun hopes to be open by the end of the month, with his previous menu (including hookahs).