Dani Aslan was born in Damascas, Syria, and where his family ran a restaurant in the early 1980s.

"It was called Falafel The Jeweler," Aslan said. In addition to being in the restaurant business, his father was a master jeweler, he explained.

Aslan carries on the dual tradition--his own jewelry business operates in Coopersburg, and he's just re-opened Phoenicia, downtown Easton's Middle Eastern restaurant.

Phoenicia's previous incarnation closed in March of this year, and the place was completely renovated by the Aslans. The art and architecture of the Middle East is strongly reflected in the decor here.

Phoenicia, at 154 Northampton Street, will serve lunch and dinner four days each week, Thursday through Sunday.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, guests are entertained with music and professional belly dancing. The bar serves some unusual drinks based on Arak, a spirit imported from Lebanon.

The menu at Phoenicia is extensive. The mezze, or appetizers, vary from stuffed grape leaves to charbroiled quail and kibbi. There are salads and kabobs, beef and chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes, even menus for the kids.

In the window there is a tavla or tawlee game. It's something similar to backgammon, played with chips and dice rolls. If you catch him at the right time, Aslan will teach you the basics of this complicated game of strategy, over a cup of strong tea--or something stronger.