Dearborn's Al-Ameer Wins America's Classics Award

DEARBORN, MI – The Al-Ameer Restaurant in Dearborn is one of five restaurants in the country that have received the prestigious 2016 America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation.

The America’s Classics Award recognize restaurants that have timeless appeal and are cherished for high-quality food that reflects the character of their community. Since 1998, nearly 100 restaurants have been honored, but Al Ameer is the first in Michigan.

Al-Ameer, located at 12710 W. Warren Ave. in Dearborn, where about 40 percent of residents are Arab-Americans, is “one of the nation’s most welcoming introductions to the pleasures of Lebanese cuisine,” the foundation said in a news release.

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Khalil Ammar, Zaki Hashem and their families started this community-minded spot in 1989.

“Unfailingly warm servers explain the fine points of maza (a spread of dishes that might include falafel and hummus) and define the differences between fattoush and Lebanese salad,” the foundation said. “The owners also run a halal butcher nearby. Accordingly, Al-Ameer is the place to savor sujuk sausage, vivid with paprika and cumin, or a feast of tender shredded lamb rich with almonds, yogurt, and rice.”

This year’s winners will be celebrated at the 26th annual James Beard Foundation Awards, taking place on Monday, May 2, at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“James Beard would have loved these restaurants; they represent how America eats,” Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation, said in a news release. “Each has played a role in bringing their communities together, representing the heart and soul of our national culinary landscape …”

To qualify, restaurants must have been in business for 10 years and must be locally owned.

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