Page 38 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2023

DINING PHOENICIA GOURMET
Gulf Crab Cakes.
ADDRESS
1223 Government St. Ocean Springs
PHONE
228.875.0603
WEBSITE
www.phoeniciagourmet.com
SOCIAL
Facebook @PhoeniciaGourmet
HOURS
Mon & Tues, Closed Wed-Fri, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sat, 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sun, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
story and photos by Kimberly C. Rasmussen
38 | February 2023
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
Phoenicia Gourmet is a local restaurant that needs little introduction. Owner and chef, Issam “Sam” Sabagh is the man behind the curtain making Phoenicia an Ocean Springs staple since 1996. From humble beginnings of busing tables in college to proprietor of one of the Coast’s most successful eateries, Sabagh knows
his way around the kitchen. His fusion of local favorites, such as fried fish and shrimp together with Middle Eastern spices from his home country of Lebanon, has earned Phoenicia a top spot among local diners.
I love everything about Phoenicia’s menu. There’s an extensive list of shareable appetizers, smaller bites, house specialties, multiple course entrees, and even a
little Mexican flair. The best part is that everything is equally satisfying.
I’m an appetizer kind of gal and love having lots of options. You can’t start a meal at Phoenicia without a warm serving of pita bread served alongside their
signature hummus and za’atar dip. Stuffed Kibbeh is a traditional Mediterranean dish that mixes marjoram seasoned ground beef and cracked wheat, which
is hollowed out and stuffed with onions and pine nuts before it’s deep fried golden brown. The Sambousek, or meat pies,
are another delicious option showcasing ground beef deep fried in a house made pastry. While both of these are go-to favorites, the surprise of the appetizers was the Mediterranean Shrimp. Jumbo Gulf shrimp are sauteed in Cointreau and topped with a sweet kiwi, mango, and strawberry relish. I absolutely loved this dish that showcases a hint of citrus mixed with Phoenicia’s signature spices.
By far, one of the most popular dishes at Phoenicia is the Shawarma. You can get chicken, beef, shrimp or a combination
of the three, but the chicken arguably is the best. Phoenicia’s Shawarma sauce is simply divine. If you don’t end your order