Our restaurant draws its inspiration from the life of Ziryab, an 8th century courtier who spent most of his life serving the royal Arab empire in Andalusia , Spain. Ziryab’s contributions to civilization were many: not only was he a prolific musician, he also revolutionized the arts of fashion, personal grooming, and fine dining, bringing many Arabic customs to the Western world.

The wearing of bangs, the use of toothpaste, and the practice of dining in courses from fine crystal, for example, are all owed to Ziryab. While little known in the Occident, Ziryab’s elegance and multiplicity of talent continue to make him a Middle Eastern legend to this day. For more biographical information about this exceptional man go to streetwhispers.com