03/15/09

Excellent lamb

by efelliot

Fantastic lamb! My husband and I went last night with a friend, we had been shopping at Sahadi's and decided to check this place out. We knew it was authentic as soon as we saw the largely Middle Eastern clientele. Whole families were gathered around tables covered with dishes. You get a ton of food and all the fresh-baked bread you want.

We ordered the Sarta, which consisted of vegetables covered in lamb broth and cooked 'til bubbling, tender roast lamb, and flatbread. You can also get it with rice. The meal started with a bowl of lamb broth, accompanied by lemon wedges and a spicy green salsa-type sauce. Then a plain iceberg salad. Then out came the veggies, lamb and bread, and they said just let them know whenever we wanted more bread.

We also ordered roast fish with some mild spices, a bean dish with tomatoes and eggs, and sauteed slices of lamb liver. It was all very tasty, and served with more lemon wedges. The bean dish was a favorite at my table.

You can help yourself to refills of water and tea, which is hot, strong and sweet. I really liked the tea. The food was not spicy-hot, the spices are mild, so it's good for kids. You can add the green hot sauce to your taste, and they will bring you more.

It was a great experience, and I liked being in a room full of families enjoying time together. The server was very friendly, helping us navigate the menu and figure out portion sizes, since most stuff is served family-style. One order of Sarta is enough for two or three people. This place is so worth it, we will definitely go back.

• Pros: good value, good for kids, friendly service
• Cons: can't really think of any