4 Iftar Buffets You Must Try in Little Arabia this Ramadan

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan has arrived and Anaheim's Little Arabia District is once again offering a variety of 'iftar' buffets at our local restaurants. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and families gather to break their fast during these special times. Many of your favorite restaurants in Little Arabia usually suspend their regular menu and transform their space to an all-you-can-eat feast that lasts all month. Some even change their business hours and stay open until the wee hours of the morning! 

Here are a few restaurants we recommend. We also recommend calling before going to make a reservation: 

• Olive Tree Restaurant: 714-535-2878
• El Mahroosa Cafe & Hookah Lounge: 714-991-9200
• Rose Cafe: 714-635-3333
• Little Arabia Lebanese Bakery & Cuisine: 714-833-576 

Events to attend during Arab American Heritage Month

We are excited to celebrate April as Arab American Heritage Month during the month of April of this year - a time when we can celebrate our heritage and encourage our fellow Americans to appreciate our tremendous contributions to our nation. 

Arab Americans have been an integral part of America for hundreds of years and have contributed tremendously to our nation in various aspects and fields.

April 2018 is a special opportunity to enhance understanding of diverse Arab American heritage that is often forgotten or perhaps avoided by the media. We continuously encourage communities to (1) learn more about and engage with Arab Americans, (2) attend Arab American events in the community, (3) encourage our local community to visit Little Arabia, and (3) support organization that help integrate new immigrants from the Arab World.

Here are some Arab American events happening locally during the month of April: 

• The Taste of Lebanon - April 11
• Celebrating Heritage: Open Mic Night - April 15
• Palestinian Embroidery 101: Tree of Life on Aida Cloth - April 18
• Arab American Heritage Gala - April 21
• Truth in Media Community Conversation - April 22

Anaheim mayoral candidate vows to designate Little Arabia if elected

Photo: Gaston Castellanos

During a community fundraising reception held for Anaheim Mayoral candidate Ashleigh Aitken on December 9th, the candidate was asked whether she would support the official designation of Little Arabia District. The reception was held at Olive Tree Restaurant. 

Although residents, elected officials, and the media refer to the Brookhurst corridor in West Anaheim as "Little Arabia" it is yet to be designated officially by the city council. In order to set up a freeway sign on the I-5 off the Brookhurst exit, the city must first designate Little Arabia and request that the State place the sign, in a resolution that would be voted on by the Anaheim City Council. 

Aitken, the current front runner, responded to the question with an enthusiastic "you know I am [going to support the designation of Little Arabia." 

For her full answer, click here to watch the video. 

On August 30th, Aitken took a tour of Little Arabia visiting several businesses in the district and meeting with various business owner to discuss challenges and opportunities. Among those she visited were Nara Bistro, Little Arabia Restaurant, Kareem's Falafel, Al Sanabel Bakery, Aleppo's Kitchen, and others.