A Mediterranean mix

Local eatery offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine, casual atmosphere

A lot of things have changed during the 14 years Emilia’s Kitchen has been open Fayetteville. One thing that hasn’t is the way the owners follow traditional Mediterranean recipes when making their signature dishes. “We’re mainly Mediterranean with the traditional hummus and that type of thing,” Sara Lusher said of the Dickson Street eatery. “We make the hummus the same way they have made hummus for two thousand years, or however long they have made hummus.” Sara, and co owner George Ouyoumjia, enjoy bringing Mediterranean cuisine to patrons of their restaurant. Many of the recipes are handed down from George’s mother, Emelia, the restaurant’s name sake. “A lot of the recipes are hers” Sara said. “When we first opened it was mainly kabobs and hummus and babakanoosh. That type thing.” Because Mediterranean food wasn’t all that well know in Northwest Arkansas 14 years ago the pair decided to include other Mediterranean dishes on the menu. Today the staples include lamb meatballs, Chicken and shrimp Alfredo, pesto linguini and roasted pork loin. “We pretty much stay traditional,” she said. “I think it is more common now and people are more familiar with Mediterranean food. We still try and stay with that Mediterranean theme. But, you have to have some pasta to bring people in. You need something for everyone.”

In the beginning

Sara and George met years ago in Hot Springs where they were introduced by mutual friends. George, who is Armenian by heritage and Syrian born, and Sara hit it off. George came to the United States when he was 18 years old and has now been in the country more than 50 years. Sara had a background in the restaurant business, but George did not. But, they did have some of George’s family recipes. The pair eventually decided to move north to Fayetteville where George’s son was starting University. Soon they cooked up Emilia’s Kitchen. Word of the new Mediterranean restaurant spread quickly. “It all started out with a lot of ladies coming in,” she said. “Then they would drag their husbands in.”