stories from home 10: Ilna with maz naba

Saturday, June 14th, MERKADO welcomes Ilna, a pop-up celebrating the rich and diverse flavors of California Lebanese cuisine. The concept comes via seasoned restaurant industry professional Maz Naba, who is half Lebanese. His latest culinary adventure offers up a unique take on his heritage!

Ilna — meaning "for us" in Arabic — is a celebration of community, connection, and culture. On the menu you’ll find dishes that are steeped in traditional Lebanese and Levantine cuisine, envisioned through a Californian lens.

Sample menu (subject to change)

~First Course~

local halibut crudo, rose vinegar plums, sumac furikake, spiced cashews

~Second Course~

kishk labne, smoked trout, cured ikura, buttermilk bulgur, dill, squid ink pita

~Third Course~

stuffed squash, dungeness crab fried rice, chorizo, pepita & date crisp, nasturtium

~Fourth Course~

yogurt dumplings, dry aged beef, almond, za'atar chili pepper crunch w/ beef kafta, brassica hummus, orange blossom tare

~Fifth Course~

hazelnut pretzel baklava, cherry blossom chocolate labne, cherry compte

RESERVATIONS