by Steven Doyle
Since the very early 90’s the Chanaa brothers, Adam and Jalal, have been bringing patrons in Dallas bold and bright flavors from the Middle East. Ali Baba has been a staple since its first location on Greenville Avenue, and has since expanded to several locations including their more cheffy concept, Terra Mediterranean. Terra has three locations in the DFW area including the Irving hot spot, Fort Woth’s trendy West 7th and the newer version in the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano opening this fall.
Terra Mediterranean is serviced with a full bar, pleasant digs and a more upscale menu which includes many favorite dishes such takes on mezza with their lovely grilled artichoke, zattar bread and an extremely creamy hummus.
Entrees include many familiar dishes such as the baked or fried kibbie (beef, wheat, onion, pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, served with ziziki sauce, saffron rice and a tabouli salad), grilled whole branzino (considered a Mediterranean sea bass), saffron chicken served with mushrooms and a delectable curry sauce, and the most succulent lamb chops you might ever taste.
You will also find a slew of kabobs that you may mix and match.
Cocktails are not an after thought. On a recent visit we sampled several plied with fresh juices that rendered them tasty but not cloyingly sweet. Many made for excellent summer refreshers. We now crave the Ruby Bomber made with Aviation gin, rosemary, bitters and fresh grapefruit. Try the Desert Pearadise for an excellent way to beat the heat. It is made with Absolut Pear Vodka, lemonade and pineapple juice. Again, never too sweet.
Terra Mediterranean also serves an Ali Baba style buffet that is kept fresh with many of your favorite dishes.
