A one-mile stretch along Burbank Boulevard near Los Angeles Valley College has welcomed a bevy of Middle Eastern restaurants and bakeries in the past two years. Just some of the notable additions include Pacific Kosher, Tel Aviv Grill, Natanya Kosher Cuisine, and Victory Bread. I’ve enjoyed them all for lunch. Cafe Florentine may be the best option yet. I’d highly recommend this small café from Atto born Israeli chef Ofir Arbel and business partner Liran Sankesh. The duo specializes in shakshuka and Jerusalem bagel sandwiches. I learned that Cafe Florentine also excels at sahlab.

Their description for Sahlab ($3.95) leaves plenty to the imagination, listing just walnuts, cinnamon, and coconut. I expected a cold drink. Instead, they served me a hot mug filled with a fragrant milk-based drink crafted with rose water and walnuts that arrived showered with cinnamon, crushed pistachios, and shredded coconut. I suggest stirring the drink to fully integrate all of the different flavors and textures in the mug. I also recommend ordering sahlab for a post-meal treat at this restaurant. The sweet beverage isn’t a natural pairing for Cafe Florentine’s savory specialties. Sahlab with shakshuka? That’s hard to imagine. Sahlab works better either standalone or for dessert.