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

By Marci Glover


A change is as good as a holiday and if you don't have the time to go on a Mediterranean cruise, the perfect substitute is to have a delicious meal featuring the cuisine of the region. On Long Island, there is a wide variety of eateries that specialize in Mediterranean food. If you're specifically looking for a Turkish restaurant East Meadow may have just the answer.

Turkish cuisine is a wonderful introduction to ethnic foods. It's full of flavor yet isn't overly spicy or so exotic that the kids won't like it. It's versatile too, with some dishes that are perfect for a hot summer's day and others that are hearty and filling, just what you need on a cold winter's night. Vegetables such as eggplant feature prominently, as do yogurt and olive oil, making this a healthy type of food too.

One of the best ways to discover the varied tastes of Turkey is with the country's extensive range of appetizers. Dips such as baba ghanoush or hummus are almost always included, as are feta-like cheese, olives and pickles. Falafel are little balls of joy and you may finally get the kids to eat leafy vegetables with little pastries filled with spinach and feta cheese. Dolmeh are similar to the dolmades of Greece, with herbed rice wrapped in vine leaves.

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.

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.

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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