With an ever changing culinary landscape in and around Fairfield County- restaurant openings and closings, chefs migrating from one restaurant to another, menus getting revamped, hit-or-miss experiences from one night to another with staff and servers… I am always left feeling at the edge of my seat.

While it makes for a lot of excitement, anticipation, and angst - I have to admit that there are times when I just feel like taking the guesswork out of the picture and dining someplace where I know exactly what to expect. A place where I know that the food will be amazing, the service consistent with the same smiling faces will greeting me at the door…. a place where I will be guaranteed a memorable dining experience. Each and every time!

Safita in Fairfield is one such place to me. A family owned and family run operation, the Hassoun family makes their guests feel welcomed and cherished. Amal, a super-talented home-style chef prepares mouth-watering middle-eastern dishes. Each dish feels like its been prepared by my Syrian aunt (if I was from Syria) who has magic fingers. No fancy-shmancy stuff going on here folks! No molecular gastronomy, no haute cuisine, no micro greens garnishing dainty plates. Nope! Just simple, feel-good, soul-satisfying food.

While Amal, the matriarch of the family, does what she does best in the kitchen, the rest of family takes care of the front of the house. Jamal will greet you at the door and make sure you are well fed and well taken care of for the evening. I have had some great conversations with him. He is so passionate about his family, his culture, his birthplace- Syria and its food.

I simply adore the Rice Pilaf they serve with most dishes. It is so aromatic and delicately flavorful. I could make an entire meal out of just that.

While practically every thing on the menu makes for a great choice, some of the must-try items are: Mezze Sampler, Tabuleh, Grilled Lamb Chops, Safita Mixed Grill. We loved the Safita Mixed Grill and Grilled Lamb Chops so much that we ordered more during the meal.

For dessert, we tried Baklava and Kanafeh. I found the Baklava a bit hard and dry but the Kanafeh was very interesting. It is shredded Phyllo dough served crisp and crunchy sandwiching a layer of sweet cheese. Not too sweet, with interesting textural contrast - it was an addictive dish.

I absolutely LOVE their hot tea. It is brewed for hours and has such a rich and deep flavor.

Note: Safita does not have a liquor license so be sure to take a bottle of what you like best. There is a nominal corkage fee. It is a small restaurant - so reservations are recommended.

Safita, Fairfield | http://www.safitarestaurant.com/default.aspx