Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with a visit to Asali Desserts & Café, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of warm baked goods. The delightful array of flaky pastries and the delectable savory and sweet brunch fare will tempt your taste buds.
Owners Hanadi Asad and Jamaal Ali started their culinary journey making baked goods for friends and family using recipes passed down by Ali’s mother. As word spread beyond their inner circle, the couple decided to turn their hobby into a business. They created the moniker Asali by combining their last names, only later learning the serendipity of their choice: The portmanteau means “sweet” and “honey” in both Arabic and Persian.
The café opened in 2019 with a menu of Mediterranean baked goods. “We wanted to have savory fare from the beginning,” Asad says, “but covid came and we had to pause.”
Once the tumult of the pandemic subsided and the business returned to a state of normalcy, the owners decided to act on their dreams of expanding into savory offerings — with some prodding. “The customers were constantly asking,” Asad recalls.
They opted to roll out the change quietly. “We didn’t advertise right away,” Asad says, “because we wanted to launch slowly to get our footing because of our space size.”
With their feet now on solid ground, Asali is ready to announce their expanded menu to the world. Notable brunch additions include culinary delights like Beef Kullaj and Kenafa French Toast, a treat that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Every dish abounds with flavors and textures crafted with meticulous detail that reflects Asad and Ali’s upbringing. Tradition melds with innovation in the diverse menu that features indulgent treats alongside fresh ingredients.
Beyond baked goods, brunch fare includes “everyday items such as hummus, labneh, za’atar pies, cheese pies, tabouli, fresh cucumbers, mint, et cetera,” Asad says. “These are staples at a Palestinian brunch table.”
The Avocado + Salmon Toast surprises the palate with its harmonious blend of toasted sourdough, paprika cream cheese, smoked salmon, and sliced avocado, all crowned with dill, sumac, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Meanwhile, the Turkey Cuban comprises toasted artisan ciabatta layered with fig jam, green apples, microgreens, creamy Brie, and succulent halal turkey. For a savory delight, the Labneh Toast beckons with toasted sourdough, cucumber, tomato, and Asali’s signature homemade creamy yogurt spread sprinkled with fragrant za’atar — a savory Middle Eastern spice blend.
“We want people to feel like they’re on vacation, whether it’s the Middle East or North Africa, or maybe Europe,” Asad says. “A lot of people say Asali reminds them of travel. We want to maintain that feeling, and with our brunch menu we hope to introduce people to new flavors and keep that mindset of travel and at ease.”
The owners invite patrons to savor their selections at their own pace: “Sit down, take a minute, relax, and enjoy your food and drink.”
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