Thursday, May 22, 2014

For Delicious Cuisine In A Turkish Restaurant East Meadow Is The Place To Look

By Marci Glover


Ethnic cuisine is just the thing to get you out of your old routine in an easy way. The exotic tastes will transport you to faraway places, as if you're really there. On Long Island you'll find restaurants specializing in a variety of ethnic cuisines. One type of food that is a definite must-try is that of Turkey and if you're looking for a good Turkish restaurant East Meadow is one area that may have just the place for you.

Turkish cuisine is as varied as the country itself. It's a mix of influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and of course Ottoman traditions. Local ingredients such as eggplant, olive oil and yogurt feature prominently and spices are used wisely to enhance the flavors.

To start your culinary journey, try a platter with several appetizers. These may include pickles, olives, cheese, dolmeh with their vine-leaf wrappings, golden falafel balls and small spinach and feta or feta and herb pies. Accompanying everything you'll normally find some tasty dips, including hummus and eggplant-based baba ghanoush.

Soup is an important part of a Turkish meal and the perfect way to drive away the cold. However, there are also cold and light soups for warmer weather. When it's sunny out, you may prefer a salad bursting with eggplant, feta cheese, tomatoes and maybe something more substantial such as grilled octopus or bulgur wheat.

The kebab is a famous meat specialty in Turkey and is most often made with chicken, beef or lamb. Grilled lamb chops are popular too and in cold weather, nothing beats a hearty stew. However, Turkey's location on both the Mediterranean and the Black Sea means that grilled fish and seafood dishes are common in the country's cuisine too. These dishes are often accompanied by the flavors of olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.

Vegetarians have plenty to rave about when it comes to Turkish cuisine. Many dishes don't contain any meat or fish at all but are still a feast of flavors. Eggplant, zucchini, onions and bell peppers are some of the vegetables commonly used. Pilaf is a tasty rice-based dish but if you're looking for something substantial and comforting, try moussaka. Falafel is the perfect choice if you're craving protein.

At the end of the meal you may want something sweet and Turkey's dessert repertoire will not disappoint. For something light, try an ice cream in an exotic flavor such as rose water or a dessert based on figs, quinces or other Mediterranean fruit. Traditional Turkish rice pudding is the perfect end to a hearty cold-weather meal. Have a cup of strong coffee too and don't forget to order a slice of syrupy baklava to go.

There are several Long Island restaurants that specialize in the cuisines of Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. You simply need to check the local listings, search online or ask around for recommendations for one in, say, East Meadow NY. Many of these establishments also deliver, making it ever more convenient to bring the exotic right to your home.




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