For A Great Turkish Restaurant East Meadow May Have Just The Thing

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.

Salads can range from light and lemony to ones that are filling enough to make a great meal on a hot day. They may contain ingredients such as eggplant, tomatoes, bulgur wheat, feta cheese or seafood and are often drizzled with olive oil. If it's cold outside, a lentil soup is a wonderfully comforting alternative.

If you're a sworn carnivore, you simply have to try kebabs, which are skewers of beef, chicken or lamb. Lamb chops are grilled to perfection, as are fish and other seafood such as octopus, with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil providing extra flavor. On a cold day, a rich and filling stew will warm body and soul.

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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