12 in 12: Sitti

Downtown Raleigh in the spring is such a fun place to hang out. The weather recently has been gorgeous, and everyone milling about always makes for some good people-watching. Julie and I decided to try Sitti as one of my 12 in 12 for the month of May. I have always loved Mediterranean food, and after a trip to Israel back in 2011, I have some wonderful memories associated with certain meals there. Sitti actually serves Lebanese food, but since Israel and Lebanon are neighbors both bordering the Mediterranean sea, the cuisine is similar.

Sitti had modern, upscale feel to it, but Julie and I opted to sit at a sidewalk table because it was so loud inside. Another friend of mine recommended that we sit in the courtyard, but there was a wedding reception being held there that night. The food was delicious, but not my favorite of Mediterranean style dishes I've had in the past. I would love to go back and try something different - all of the menu options looked incredible.

When our orders came, Julie and I were so hungry, we dug right in and completely forgot to take pictures of our meal! So in lieu of food photos, here are a few of my favorite snapshots of Israel.

The view from Mount Carmel overlooking an olive grove and the valley of Jezreel.

The synagogue at Capernaum.

The hills near Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

The view from the Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

The springs at Ceasarea Philippi. 

I'm loving this adventure of trying out restaurants that are unique to Raleigh! Any recommendations for restaurants that aren't on my list?