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ALI BABA LEBANESE GRILL
1905 Greenville Ave
(214-824-8860)
Open Sun–Wed 11–11, Thur–Sat 11–midnight.
map | latest review | access ++ |  add to library |
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Dallas
| Middle Eastern |
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(From December 2010) A steaming cup of chicken vermicelli soup with peas and green onions, accompanied by pillowy pita, set a high bar. But not to worry—the crispy falafel with tahini and a gratin of aubergines (barely recog-nizable as eggplant) sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and pomegranate molasses left us impressed and happily full. Kanafeh, shredded phyllo atop sweetened cheese and pistachios, made an interesting alter-native to baklava. BYOB. |
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CAFE ISTANBUL
The Shops at Legacy, 7300 Lone Star Dr
(972-398-2020)
Open 7 days 11-11.
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Plano
| Mediterranean /
Middle Eastern |
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(From May 2012) This cafe’s newest outpost, in Plano, offers the same authentic Turkish food prepared daily with fresh ingredients. We started with house-made lavash alongside a delightful tzatziki studded with chunks of cucumber. Just as good were our entrées of charbroiled lamb shish kebab served with grilled tomatoes and a mix of sliced raw onion and parsley and an Istanbul doner, a meatball-like combination of ground beef and lamb marinated overnight, then grilled and served with rice pilaf. For dessert, we had kunefe, a shredded-wheat-like pastry served with sweet cheese, pistachios, and honey. Bar. |
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GOODFELLA’S
Tuscany Park, 3350 Dowlen Rd
(409-861-2500)
Open Mon–Thur 11:30–9, Fri & Sat 3:30–11, Sun 10:30–9:30
web site | map | latest review | photo | access ++ | add to library |
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Beaumont
| Italian /
Middle Eastern |
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(From May 2012) Applying simple logic we deduced that if lunch here was as tasty as dinner then we were in for a treat. And the noontime menu of salads and sandwiches proved us right. We loved the vegetable wrap with roasted red peppers and grilled portobello mushrooms and the house burger with a smattering of fennel-spiked Italian sausage blended into the meat. On the lighter side, a couscous-based salad with fresh feta, artichoke hearts, zesty peppers, and kalamata olives also received raves. Bar. |
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SALMA FARAH’S MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
4126 N. Mesa
(915-544-4404)
Open Mon–Wed 11–4, Thur–Sat 11–9. Closed Sun.
map | latest review | access ++ | add to library |
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El Paso
| Middle Eastern |
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(From March 2011) This traditional and simply decorated Lebanese eatery serves up a variety of Middle Eastern specialties. Creamy chickpea hummus, highlighted with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil, goes well with the oven-warm flatbread. Tabouleh is the usual mix of bulgar wheat and minced garlic, parsley, and flavorful, ripe tomatoes (if they are in season, of course), topped with a light squeeze of lemon juice. All of the entrées are good, but the cousa (pale-green squash stuffed with garlic-and-cinnamon-spiced ground beef, then stewed in a rich tomato sauce) and the gyros (a mix of marinated lamb and beef, crunchy lettuce, and chopped tomatoes nestled in a hot, fresh pita) are the best of the best. BYOB. |
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