Filo Dessert Co., an all-new Middle Eastern dessert shop advertising a one-of-a-kind fusion menu, plans to open its doors early next year in Downtown Orange, just a two-minute walk from Old Towne’s Park Plaza.
The restaurant aims to set up shop at 227 E. Chapman Ave., owner Mo Abusham told What Now Orange County in a phone interview. A recently submitted plan review is awaiting approval before construction can begin, with Abusham hoping for an early January grand opening. Although Filo Dessert Co. is not Abusham’s debut in the industry — he said he previously owned a burger shop for many years in San Diego — it will be his first restaurant in Orange County.
Abusham’s extensive travels across the Middle East inspired Filo Dessert Co.’s authentic menu, one that he says is unique from anything else in the United States.
“One of the really unique things about this company is we’ve used chefs from all across the Middle East … so that’s something we’re really proud of,” Abusham said. “It’s not just one person or one entity creating something. It’s been kind of picking and choosing the best of the best across the Middle East from my travels.”
A recent blog post on the company website offers an in-depth look at the coming menu, which will invite patrons to “embark on a sweet adventure.” The menu’s headliner is its Syrian booza, a centuries-old ice cream with a unique, chewy texture. Other highlighted items are the Palestinian knafe and Yemeni coffee.
“You have your typical baklavas and things like that, but it really hasn’t been done where it’s fusion,” Abusham said. “It’s not just your baklavas, your knafes — it’s more of baklavas, knafes with ice cream combined, and ice cream sandwiches that are made of knafe and ice cream. And the ice cream’s mastic ice cream; it’s not your typical American ice cream.”
Filo Dessert Co. will share a building with Renata’s Cafe Italiano and several service businesses like Chapter X Tattoo and Tranquil Nail Spa & Skin Care. The new restaurant’s unit was previously occupied by P X Jewelers.
Those interested in staying up to date on Filo Dessert Co.’s plans can subscribe to the restaurant’s newsletter on its website.
