Holidays are usually a time to give thanks, appreciate experiences, and (of course) enjoy savory food. Early November, I had a chance to check out a popular restaurant in Richardson, Texas, called Ali Baba Grill (following proper social distancing etiquette – obviously). It’s not your usual conventional buffet, and what they offer in terms of cuisine was quite fantastic!
To give context: the Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill, as its name implies, serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine. It was founded in 1989 by two brothers, Adam and Jalal Chanaa, in the Lower Greenville Neighborhood in Dallas. Their business has since expanded to 4 locations including one in Mexico! Their business is based on serving quality Mediterranean dishes mixed with fresh fruits, vegetable blends, enriched meat, pastas, and seafood.
With the recommendations of my fellow classmate, Jay Young (M2), I had the chance to try Mediterranean Gyro made of roasted strips of lamb, tomato, saffron rice, and a special tzatziki sauce. The food melted in my mouth, and with each bite I savored the unique and subtle flavors present in authentic mediterranean cuisine. I did enjoy a Beef Kabob and Saffron Chicken sautéed with creamy curry and mushrooms, as well.
Of course, no meal is complete without a healthy dose of fresh greens. To compliment its plentiful array of entrees, Ali Baba offers a variety of salads. One of these options is called Tabouli – a classic Mediterranean herb salad topped with parsley, wheat, tomato, onion, olive oil, and lemon juice. This dish has an incredibly fresh flavor and is a popular staple throughout the mediterranean region. Along with this, I also had the chance to try vegetarian Grape Leaves – now a favorite of mine (Jay had his fair share as well)!
I completed my main course with feta flatbread, hummus topped with pine nuts, falafel, and pasta salad. Dessert consisted of an assortment of rice pudding with a fresh fruit salad consisting of cantaloupe, honeydew, and pineapple.
I’m a small-town guy and had never considered trying a Mediterranean Restaurant until now. Dallas has amazed me with its rich variety of choices for foods around the area. I always appreciate sampling new cultural foods and this restaurant/buffet offered a terrific opportunity. The ambiance of the restaurant was welcoming even with proper social distancing precautions being followed. All of the food was freshly cooked, and customers were not allowed to touch new plates or dishes without wearing appropriate gloves provided by the restaurant. Overall, the cost to dine is under $20 per person for a lunch buffet, which is a little on the high side for a lunch buffet. However, even factoring the price in I was thoroughly satisfied with the quality of food and service provided. A Mediterranean cuisine is a healthy option to try, and if you happen to be in the Richardson area and would like to try a unique cultural dining option, I strongly recommend checking out Ali Baba Mediterranean! It’s a great place to meet with friends, go on a date, or simply appreciate a staple in the vast diversity of restaurants that Dallas Fort-Worth has to offer.
Side Note: I included photos in this piece that I would like to include.
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