Kelly O’Connor, staff writer
| MPNnow
Mediterranean food is great to enjoy during summer. Light fare and ripe vegetables comprise dishes, and the appetizers complement the entrees. Aladdin’s Natural Eatery, with two locations in Rochester, gives diners a taste of the Mediterranean for a great price.
The Monroe Avenue location was where I recently ate lunch with a friend, getting one more taste of summer before the weather turns.
The atmosphere
During lunch, you can seat yourself at this Aladdin’s. Climb up the labryinthine stairways to get the perfect table; whether you want a birds-eye view from the open second floor, or you want a large table tucked away on the first. This location has a great outdoor patio with a blue awning that shades patrons. The weather didn’t cooperate with our visit, but I suggest you sit out there while you can and enjoy the view.
The dishes
My friend and I started off with an order of Humos ($4.50), chick peas and tahini with scallions and oil. The generous topping of chopped scallions gave the creamy dip an added kick, which I really liked. Served with juicy tomato slices and a side of pita bread, we practically licked the plate clean. It’s a very mild dip but it’s a good one to get started on if you’re not familiar with hummus. Get an extra side of pita bread (60 cents) if you’re with a large group.
I ordered the Spanakopita entree ($8.75) which came with a side salad. The pie nestled in layers of filo dough is filled with spinach, feta cheese and dill. The flaky dough was baked to a perfect golden brown, and the filling had good proportions of each ingredient — not too dilly and not too salty. The side salad was piled high on the plate, with feta cheese sprinkled on top.
It’s possible to order Spanakopita as an appetizer (for $4.75); it comes in a smaller portion with a feta cheese topping. I like the dish too much to only get it as an appetizer.
My friend ordered the Chicken Pita ($4.95). Boneless chicken thighs marinated in a tahini base are rolled into a pita with feta and tomatoes. Broiling the chicken gave it a crisp outer texture without stealing any of its juices. The tahini was a welcomed change of pace from standards such as ranch dressing or mayo. Though not a huge onion fan, my friend said the tomatoes provided excellent balance to the flavor and texture.
The drinks
I ordered my usual Diet Pepsi ($2). The Blended Milk with Banana and Honey drink ($2.50) caught my friend’s eye. It looks like a milkshake but drinks even easier, and the taste was the surprise of the meal. My friend couldn’t put it down and refused to offer a sip — that’s how good it was (or so I’m told).
Aladdin’s also serves beer (from Amstel to Sam Adams), too, and wine available by the glass or the bottle. All bottles are less than $20.
Next time
I’ve been a fan of Aladdin’s for a while, and have tried a majority of the menu items. But next time I think I’ll see what the Pastitsio (8.75) is like; ground beef sauteed with wine and spices and blended with pasta and bechamel sauce. A departure from the pitas and pockets, it sounds promising.
For an appetizer, although the humos was delicious, I like the Baba ($4.95), charbroiled eggplant and tahini, that offers a distinct, smoky flavor.
Final thoughts
Whether you eat along the Erie Canal or people-watch on Monroe Avenue, Aladdin’s is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The prices are great, and the portions are perfect. The food is so good you won’t need a take-home box. The fresh ingredients and the presentation of the classical Mediterranean dishes are authentic and impressive. Enjoy the last days of summer at this eatery.
Dining and Cooking