vendredi 30 mai 2014

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

By Marci Glover


If you need a break from the same old food you're always ordering when eating out, maybe it's time to try some ethnic cuisine. The exotic food from the eastern Mediterranean will have your mouth watering and if you live on Long Island, you don't even have to go all the way into Manhattan to find what you're looking for. In fact, for a great Turkish restaurant East Meadow, Centereach and other Long Island spots have a surprising selection on offer.

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.

Many meals include a course of soup, which can be hearty and hot or light and cold. Salads often contain eggplant grilled in olive oil. Feta cheese, grilled seafood and bulgur wheat are commonly used salad ingredients too. In fact, some salads can easily double as a main course for a light lunch, especially in summer.

Probably Turkey's most famous dish is the kebab, which can be made with beef, lamb or chicken. Children will love eating the bits of meat off the skewers but may also enjoy lamb chops. Seafood is great for summer because the dishes often include ingredients such as lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. If you're looking for winter comfort food, a rich stew will do the trick.

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.

Dessert is for many the highlight of their meal and Turkish desserts are heavenly. The variety is huge too. Ice creams in unusual flavors such as pistachio or rose water are the perfect pick-me-up on a hot Long Island day. Some dishes use exotic fruits, including figs. Rice pudding is a creamy delight especially in cold weather. An essential accompaniment is a cup of strong coffee, preferably black and sweet like the Turks drink it. Even if you can't eat one more bite, order some baklava drenched in syrup too. You can always take it home and enjoy it later.

Long Island is home to several Turkish restaurants, among them some in East Meadow NY. Simply check the listings for the local area. Otherwise, go online and peruse the menus for inspiration before you book. You may even be able to order a meal for delivery to your doorstep.




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