Food & Drink
The Heart-Wrenching Story Behind Zuzu's Meals
One year after her son's death, Kholoud Jallad opens a restaurant in honor of his memory.
by James Bigley II | Sep. 19, 2019 | 12:00 PM
Sydney Kay
On the surface, Zuzu’s Meals may seem like your average Middle Eastern restaurant, tucked away inside downtown’s Rockefeller Building.
But once inside, you quickly realize there’s more to the story. Last year, owner and head chef Kholoud Jallad lost her 17-year-old son Zuhair “Zuzu” Jallad in a fatal car accident.
Inspired by her son’s generosity and love for food, Jallad opened the breakfast and lunch spot in March with a slew of Zuzu’s favorites.
On the appetizer menu, you’ll find thick, doughy cheese, meat and spinach pies ($3.99 for two) stuffed to the brim with filling alongside house-made hummus that has an almost nutty texture ($3.99 small, $5.99 large).
Five different wraps — including the shish tawook ($6.50) made with marinated chicken, garlic sauce, fries, pickles and turnips — are served on Zuzu Bread, a thick, puffed bread similar to a tortilla.
But the beef shawarma ($11.99) has it all, with thick, grilled strips of seasoned beef topped with diced tomatoes and chopped parsley for a tender, balanced meal. Served with a flavorful bed of rice and vermicelli topped with fried pine nuts, tahini sauce and two sides — think crisp seasoned fries or a hearty helping of baba ghanoush — it’s both plentiful and tasty.
In fact, everything on the menu, including the mamol cookies ($2.99 for six) made with date-stuffed dough, a rose water glaze and a chopped pistachio topping, is made with great care to keep us coming back.
When You Go
Zuzu’s Meals
614 W. Superior Ave., Suite 105, Cleveland
216-563-1301
But once inside, you quickly realize there’s more to the story. Last year, owner and head chef Kholoud Jallad lost her 17-year-old son Zuhair “Zuzu” Jallad in a fatal car accident.
Inspired by her son’s generosity and love for food, Jallad opened the breakfast and lunch spot in March with a slew of Zuzu’s favorites.
On the appetizer menu, you’ll find thick, doughy cheese, meat and spinach pies ($3.99 for two) stuffed to the brim with filling alongside house-made hummus that has an almost nutty texture ($3.99 small, $5.99 large).
Five different wraps — including the shish tawook ($6.50) made with marinated chicken, garlic sauce, fries, pickles and turnips — are served on Zuzu Bread, a thick, puffed bread similar to a tortilla.
But the beef shawarma ($11.99) has it all, with thick, grilled strips of seasoned beef topped with diced tomatoes and chopped parsley for a tender, balanced meal. Served with a flavorful bed of rice and vermicelli topped with fried pine nuts, tahini sauce and two sides — think crisp seasoned fries or a hearty helping of baba ghanoush — it’s both plentiful and tasty.
In fact, everything on the menu, including the mamol cookies ($2.99 for six) made with date-stuffed dough, a rose water glaze and a chopped pistachio topping, is made with great care to keep us coming back.
When You Go
Zuzu’s Meals
614 W. Superior Ave., Suite 105, Cleveland
216-563-1301
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