Yalla America Radio commemorates the life and legacy of Joseph Haiek

YALLA America Radio, which launched today, will strive to showcase Arab American success stories once a month on the 2nd Friday of the month at 2PM (P.S.T.) by bringing you guests that exemplify Arab Americans ON THE GO!

The show started with guest Caternia Haiek who shared her father Joseph R. Haiek's life journey and legacy!

The Arab American community recently lost Joseph, who had been in failing health for a while, while he was on a tip to Egypt with his daughter Caterina where he celebrated his 85th birthday in December and received a prestigious award from the Association of Egyptian American Scholars. 

He was honored for his life's work over more than 45 years representing, presenting and documenting the Arab American experience.

Joseph R. Haiek was a pioneer in the Arab American community.

Anaheim mayoral candidate vows to designate Little Arabia if elected

Photo: Gaston Castellanos

During a community fundraising reception held for Anaheim Mayoral candidate Ashleigh Aitken on December 9th, the candidate was asked whether she would support the official designation of Little Arabia District. The reception was held at Olive Tree Restaurant. 

Although residents, elected officials, and the media refer to the Brookhurst corridor in West Anaheim as "Little Arabia" it is yet to be designated officially by the city council. In order to set up a freeway sign on the I-5 off the Brookhurst exit, the city must first designate Little Arabia and request that the State place the sign, in a resolution that would be voted on by the Anaheim City Council. 

Aitken, the current front runner, responded to the question with an enthusiastic "you know I am [going to support the designation of Little Arabia." 

For her full answer, click here to watch the video. 

On August 30th, Aitken took a tour of Little Arabia visiting several businesses in the district and meeting with various business owner to discuss challenges and opportunities. Among those she visited were Nara Bistro, Little Arabia Restaurant, Kareem's Falafel, Al Sanabel Bakery, Aleppo's Kitchen, and others. 

Mangal by Aleppo’s Kitchen opens at the Anaheim Packing House

This past weekend, Mangal has finally opened at the Anaheim Packing House. The food stand is a sister concept to Aleppo’s Kitchen on Brookhurst Street in Anaheim's Little Arabia District.

The Syrian restaurant sells popular items from the original restaurant such as grilled kebobs, falafel sandwiches, tabouli, beef and chicken shawarma and kibbeh.

Follow Mangal's Facebook page here. 

Sen. Newman hosts "Falafel Meet & Greet"

[Photo: Lou Delgado]

Senator josh Newman, who was the author of last April Arab American Heritage Month proclamation, held a "Falafel Meet & Greet" at Little Arabia Lebanese Bakery & Cusine this past Sunday.  The Senator is currently campaigning against a recall effort against him. 

On his campaign Facebook page, Sen. Newman wrote the following after the event: 

Food is one of those things that brings us together.

Today, the Arab-American Caucus of the California Democratic Party graciously co-hosted Senator Josh Newman (SD29) and Senator Connie Leyva (SD20). Arab-Americans are a vital part of the social and economic fabric of the Senators' neighboring districts, from Anaheim to San Bernardino.

As members of the Arab-American community shared their hopes and concerns with our Senators over falafel, it became clear that we are at our best when every Californian enjoys the promise of safety, education, and economic opportunity. Josh Newman and Connie Leyva will continue to fight for Arab-Americans and their full inclusion in our shared prosperity.

Many thanks and compliments to Little Arabia Restaurant for the delicious food and welcoming space!

OC Weekly's 2017 Best Middle Eastern Restaurant is...

Once again, Olive Tree Restaurant has been chosen by the OC Weekly as Orange County's best Middle Eastern restaurant. After its recent relocation, the restaurant has added new menu items, an outdoor patio seating, live entertainment on select days, and late night night hours. 

The Olive Tree Restaurant was chosen Best Middle Eastern restaurant previously in 2011 and 2012. 

Read more here.

Refugees will share a Ramadan meal with locals at Olive Tree

The Arab American Civic Council will host a Ramadan iftar dinner to welcome refugee families into our communities on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at Olive Tree Restaurant in Anaheim’s Little Arabia. 

The purpose of this event is to welcome newly-arrived refugee families and help them integrate into our community. The event will also feature the release of the #RefugeesWelcome guidebook - a bilingual multi-platform guidebook for refugees resettling in the Greater LA Area. 

This event is the second of its kind. Last year, the Arab American Civic Council hosted a similar iftar dinner during the month of Ramadan at the same restaurant. See this KPCC report and this Los Angeles Times report from last year’s event.

Tickets can be purchased at this link.

7 Ramadan iftar buffets in #LittleArabia you must try

Desert Moon Grill
888 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Call for info & reservation: 714-533-6601

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Little Arabia Lebanese Bakery & Cuisine
638 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Call for info & reservation: 714-833-5760

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Olive Tree Restaurant
512 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Call for info & reservation: 714-535-2878

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Rose Cafe  (buffet available Thursdays & Sundays, other days set menu)
198 W Cerritos Ave., Anaheim
Call for info & reservation: 714-635-3333

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El Mahroosa Cafe & Lounge
930 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Ramadan Hours: 7:50 pm - 3 am
Call for info & reservation: 714-991-9200

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Al-Sanabel  (set menu)
816 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Ramadan Hours: 11 am - 4 am
Call for info & reservation: 714635-4353

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Aleppo's Kitchen
513 1/2 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim
Call for info & reservation: 714-991-5000

Senator Newman’s Resolution to Honor Arab American Heritage Month in California Passes Senate

Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 42 passed the California State Senate today with unanimous support. SCR 42 commemorates the month of April as “Arab American Heritage Month” in California, and recognizes the important contributions of Arab Americans to our state.

“SCR 42 is part of a broader effort toward creating awareness and paying respect to the approximately 800,000 Arab American Californians, while celebrating their achievements and highlighting their commitment and contributions to a peaceful and diverse society, by recognizing the month of April as Arab American Heritage Month,” said the resolution’s author, Senator Josh Newman.

For well over a century, Arab Americans have been making valuable contributions to virtually every aspect of American society, to include leadership and groundbreaking contributions in medicine, law, business, technology, government, and culture.

Senate District 29, which Newman represents, has the highest concentration of Arab Americans in the state, in a region called “Little Arabia”. The State of California boasts the largest population of Arab Americans in the Country, with a population of approximately 800,000.

Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which includes cities across Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.

Support women-owned business in Little Arabia

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the accomplishment of women locally and worldwide. On this day, we encourage everyone to support women business-owners in our communities here Little Arabia District. 

Arab American women in particular deserve our respect and attention today for the massive milestones they’ve reached and better community they’ve built for all.

5 Little Arabia “Specials” You Must Try (in no particular order)

This list in no way suggests they’re the best of the best. However, these “specials” were chosen either because they’re outstanding, unique or because they’re underrated.

Sayadiyeh at Olive Tree Restaurant
Many of us can’t wait for Thursdays (or Saturdays) for this fried fish special at Olive Tree known in Arabic as Sayadiyeh. It contains brown rice mixed with 22 different spices, cooked with fillet fish and served with a huge flavored tilapia fish that’s deep fried to perfection!   Once you’re done eating, don’t forget to say “Teslam Edeik” to Abu Ahmad. Literally means “may your hands be protected.”

Musakhan at El Mahroosa Cafe
Loyal fans of Little Arabia have known or heard of Chef Um Alaa (the mother of Alaa) long before El Mahroosa was open. Any of you who tried her cooking knows that Musakhan isn’t the only dish you must try, but it does stand out because, arguably, no one seems to perfect it the way she does at El Mahroosa Cafe. Musakhan is a Palestinian dish composed of roasted chicken baked with onions, sumac, allspice, saffron, and fried pine nuts served over taboon bread.

Beef in Cherry Sauce at Aleppo’s Kitchen
It’s really difficult to pinpoint what exactly stands out at Aleppo’s Kitchen, because too many items in their menu aren’t served elsewhere. Not too many foodies know about the grilled beef balls with homemade cherry sauce and it’s definitely worth a try. However, make sure you call an hour in advance, because it’ll take an hour to prepare it.

Stuffed Zucchini and Grape leaves at Alwadee Bakery & Restaurant
Everyone loves stuffed zucchini and grape leaves and the ones done by the awesome ladies at Alwadee Restaurant are no less mouthwatering than your typical Arab mom’s “wara’ enab and mahshi.” Typically the zucchini and grape leaves are stuffed with rice and meat, and olive oil is used to moisten wraps. Available every Saturday.

Methlootha at Arabisc Restaurant
lMost Arabs haven’t even heard of Methlootha, a tasty dish popular in the Najd region of Saudi Arabia. Like most Saudi dishes, Methlootha contains rice and lamb, but what’s different about it is that it’s made of three layers: bread, oats, then rice and lamb (or chicken) and garnished with caramelized onions. Keep in mind that the Chef at Arabisc Restaurant has more than a decade of experience cooking at the Saudi Royal Court.