Tuesday, June 3, 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.

Turkey is a country where many different culture meet and this diversity is reflected in the country's cuisine. The cultures of Greece, the Balkans, the Middle East and Central Asia all left their mark during the time these regions were part of or in close contact with the Ottoman Empire, which preceded modern-day Turkey. Ingredients are usually fresh and full of flavor.

A great introduction to the tastes of Turkey is with the wide range of appetizers. Try some Greek-influenced spinach and feta pies for something substantial or indulge in protein-filled falafel. Combine these with a range of flavorful dips such as hummus, eggplant puree or a combination of yogurt and cucumber. Evoke images of vineyards, sunshine and a clear blue sea by biting into vine-leaf stuffed dolmeh, similar to the Greek dolmades.

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.

If you're vegetarian, you'll be overjoyed to know that many Turkish dishes are meat-free. In fact, vegetables are an essential part of the country's cuisine and ones that are often used are onions, eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers. Falafel add protein. The perfect vegetarian comfort food is a rich and creamy moussaka or a fragrant pilaf.

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.

To find a restaurant in East Meadow NY or in one of the nearby Long Island cities, simply check online and read the reviews before making your choice. Another option is to consult the local listings. A great thing about many Long Island restaurants is that they also deliver.




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