This month has been a struggle. Like most Americans, my wallet and bank account are really getting sucker-punched by inflation, and the situation isn't being helped by my writing income, which has slowed considerably in the last few weeks. Then I get demotivated when I see my sad income reports, which makes me write less and further contributes to the lower writing income.
It's a vicious, vicious cycle, you all.
To lift my mood, I decided to go to Aladdin's, an Ohio-based chain that specializes in Lebanese-American cuisine and one of my favorite local chains.
Because I was hungry as well as feeling like the personification of the meh emoji, I treated myself to an appetizer and an entrée. For my appetizer, I ordered dawali, and for my entrée, I ordered the Flavor Savor Special, which includes chicken mishwi, beef kafta, brown rice with vermicelli, greens, hummus, and falafel. Like always, the food was delicious and lifted my mood right up.
The dawali came out fresh and hot. It was a great vegetarian option. The chickpeas, rice, and feta made it hearty, and the dressing provided the stuffed grape leaves with a pleasant tartness. Even as a meat-lover, I would've been more than satisfied by an entrée-sized portion of the dawali.
The Flavor Savor Special was also delicious. My plate almost overflowed with food. The beef kafta and chicken mishwi were tasty and seasoned perfectly, and complemented well with the hummus, which offered extra flavor and moist creaminess. Even my fresh side salad was flavorful. I only wish that the plate came with more than one piece of falafel, which was also delicious and crisp on the outside while moist on the inside.
My meal also came with a basket of complimentary pita bread, so by the end of lunch, I was stuffed. My waitress was fantastic as well. Though the place was busy, she was still friendly and attentive, and made sure to refill my water frequently.
I went to the Aladdin's location in Middleburg Heights at 18334 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130, but there are locations all over Ohio. To find one near you, go to their website.
Comments / 1