Sameer Eid
Sameer Eid
Sameer Eid, founder of the popular Lebanese American restaurant Phoenicia on S. Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, died Friday at age 85.
“Sameer came to the U.S. in 1961 and built a life rooted in family, hospitality, and his Lebanese heritage. For more than 54 years, he personally oversaw every detail at Phoenicia, creating one of Michigan’s most celebrated restaurants,” said spokesperson Justin Near in a statement, according to Hour Detroit.
Ten years after coming to the U.S., Eid founded Phoenicia in Highland Park. In 1982, he moved the eatery to Birmingham where it gained a reputation for a high-end menu with well-heeled customers.
Hour Detroit reports:
Phoenicia has drawn much acclaim in its 54 years — with praise from local and national publications like Esquire, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator. Its recipe for toum (Lebanese garlic sauce) was published on the New York Times Cooking website. In 2020, Sameer and Samy were semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurateur at the James Beard Awards.
See WXYZ report below from four years ago.