My favorite Lebanese restaurant that also holds the title of my favorite restaurant with two locations on one block is called Open Sesame, A.K.A., Open Says Me, in Long Beach, California.
I could write several pages on every menu item because just the thought of it makes my my mouth water and my heart sink in longing, but today I am celebrating their white coffee.
White Coffee is not coffee at all, but hot orange blossom water with fresh mint. The first time I had it, it seemed weird to order a hot minty beverage with my garlic potatoes, lentil soup and Kibbi, but I was hooked. I can’t go to Open Sesame without ordering this lovely libation.
Why is it so special? The scent of the orange blossom water with mint wafting from the hot cup instantly transports one to a happy place. Yours may be a spa in Athens or the sock department at Target, but mine is a beautiful garden of aromatic flowers, a white fluffy down bed and five cabana boys standing by to fulfill my every wish.
Today, I want you to heat some water, plop a little bunch of fresh mint in the cup or teapot with a few drops of orange blossom/flower water and, ahhhhhhhh, enjoy.
Note: Orange blossom water should be made with orange blossoms, not orange peel oil. The flower imparts a totally different aroma and flavor. I add a touch of agave nectar to really bring out the floral notes. The one in the photo is my favorite, but I read that Monsieur Monteux has chosen to retire and stopped making it. Selfish if you ask me. Retailers have replaced it with Noirot Culinary Orange Blossom Water.
Can you set up a second bed in that garden…and share your cabana boys? I just tried your white coffee recipe, and all the cares of the day fell away–it is truly a magical potion. Thanks for sharing it.