One of Brea’s most well-reviewed Mediterranean favorites D’Vine will be coming to Long Beach next week with a new iteration — D’Vine Express. Diners can expect the same menu as the company’s full-service locations when the new format soft-opens February 8, at 5525 E Stearns St., but with a focus on takeout and counter service.
Walid Alarja started his restaurant in 1946 with the goal of bringing the flavors of his home country, Egypt, to the United States. D’Vine has been importing their family’s secret blend of spices directly from Bethlehem since then, with his son Jamal Alarja at the helm. “I was born in restaurants since I opened my eyes, I started working with my dad when I was 12 and he showed me everything,” Jamal told What Now Los Angeles.
D’Vine offers well-known Mediterranean fare like chicken shawarma — which is Jamal’s favorite dish — and its most popular, kebabs and falafel. D’Vine’s dedication to freshness and made-to-order cooking is what sets them apart.
“We make everything from scratch. We don’t use any cans. We buy the beans and cook them, same thing with the falafel,” said Jamal. “It’s all about healthy and fresh food. Whatever you order, we cook it all at once.” The restaurant has used the same spice blend and cooking techniques since Walid opened.
Both Alarja and the landlord of D’Vine’s new building, which formerly housed Chronic Tacos, were represented by Jennifer Meade of Beta Agency in the transaction.
