Fatoum Bistro: A Culinary Fusion in State College

Fatoum Bistro, a new eatery in State College, offers a unique dining experience by blending Eastern and Western cuisines. Inspired by the owner's mother, Fatima (nicknamed Fatoum), the bistro aims to provide fresh, flavorful dishes that cater to a wide range of palates.

A Homage Through Cuisine

Hitham Hiyajneh, co-owner of Fatoum Bistro, initially planned to name the restaurant "Silk Road." However, a desire to personalize the establishment and refine the menu led to a name change and a slight delay in the opening. The restaurant, located at 532 Westerly Parkway, ultimately opened its doors with a menu deeply influenced by Hiyajneh's heritage and his mother's culinary legacy.

East Meets West: A Menu Overview

Fatoum Bistro prides itself on its freshly made dishes, drawing inspiration from both Eastern and Western culinary traditions. This fusion is evident in the breakfast menu, which features familiar favorites alongside Middle Eastern specialties.

Breakfast Delights

The breakfast menu presents a diverse selection, ranging from classic American staples like pancakes, waffles, and crepes to Middle Eastern dishes such as ful mudammas, a labneh plate, and various shakshuka preparations. A standout item is the "Fungus Amongus," a unique eggs Benedict variation featuring mixed field mushrooms, poached eggs, pesto, spinach, marinated feta, creamy mushroom sauce, tempura enoki mushrooms, and manchego cheese, all served on sourdough bread. Other breakfast options include multiple eggs Benedict flavors, omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and yogurt parfaits.

Lunchtime Offerings

For lunch, diners can choose from a variety of salads and soups, with the latter priced at $5.99 for a cup and $7.99 for a bowl. The lunch menu also features a selection of nine Middle Eastern-inspired appetizers, including hummus plates, fatteh eggplant, grape leaves, and samosas. Entrees include arayes, butter chicken, chicken liver, chicken tikki masala, and sakalans.

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Customer Reception and Standout Dishes

According to Hiyajneh, Fatoum Bistro has received positive feedback from customers. The "Fungus Amongus" eggs Benedict has emerged as a particularly popular dish, praised for its unique combination of flavors and textures. Reviews highlight the Bistro's delicious and filling dishes like spicy lentil soup, Turkish coffee, Chicken Jalfrezy, hummus with steak, red lentil soup, and fattah with eggplant and pomegranate on crispy pita.

Ambiance and Service

The bistro's decor is described as welcoming and comfortable, featuring green accents. Customers have consistently praised the outstanding and attentive service, with the owner often personally visiting tables to ensure a positive dining experience. The restaurant's over-sized booths are expected to be popular for larger gatherings for dinner or appetizers.

A Taste of the Mediterranean and Beyond

The restaurant aims to offer a taste of Mediterranean adventures. Experiences like spicy lentil soup and Turkish coffee are reminiscent of the Mediterranean region, while dishes like Chicken Jalfrezy provide vibrant flavors.

Reviews and Recommendations

Customer reviews emphasize the fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and friendly service. Many reviewers specifically mention the butter chicken, grape leaves, and mint lemonade as standout items. The portions are often described as substantial, with many diners taking leftovers home. Some reviewers have expressed a desire for the bistro to extend its hours and potentially offer a BYOB option in the future.

A Note on Spice Levels

While the majority of reviews are positive, one customer noted that some dishes may contain too much spice. This is something to consider for those with sensitivities to spicy food.

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