Saturday, May 31, 2014

If You Are Looking For A Turkish Restaurant East Meadow May Have The Answer

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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No meal is complete without something sweet at the end. In Turkey, desserts can be based on fruits such as figs and quinces. They can also be rich and creamy, such as rice pudding or exotic ice creams sprinkled with pistachios. A favorite with most diners is golden baklava with layers of crunchy nuts and drenched in syrup. This dish is especially good with a cup to strong Turkish coffee to accompany it.

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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