Press
03/16/09
The Morning Journal's Arcade: Magic: Tasty Food Also Healthy At Aladdin's
Food that's good for you that actually TASTES good? Considering that most of my experiences with healthy food has been confined to carrot sticks, rice cakes and tofu (your basic bland food), I was skeptical at best when friends kept singing the praises of Aladdin's Eatery. But, given the fact that a young niece whose gastronomical gamut runs between chicken nuggets and fries is an enthusiastic patron, I was persuaded on a recent Saturday night to abandon my health food bias and give the premise a try. Aladdin's, which appeared almost magically in the spot that one housed Rankin's Gourmet Deli, is the brainchild of owner Fady Chamoun. Drawing on his expertise in Middle Eastern cuisine, he realized that he could tap into the growing concerns of diners who shun chemicals, preservatices, and additives of any sort by presenting them with the natural foods of his homeland as an alternative. Judging from the bustling word of mouth business that's developed, his theory was dead on. The two main dining areas, although not large by any means, have a light, airy feel. Tables are spaced far enough apart to allow patrons a ceratin sense of intimacy and quiet conversation. The decor is simple, blushed with pastels and neutral tones, creating a serene ambience in which to to study the extensive menu. Read the creed on the front and you have the Aladdin's concept in a nutshell: It simply states the intention is to provide customers with the unique natural foods of the Middle East while at the same time cater to their increased awareness and concern regarding health and nutrition...read further and you'll discover that no sulfites or preservatives of any type are used in preperation, that most everything is made from scratch on the premises and that only unprocessed sugar is used as a sweetener. According to our very accomodating server, every effort is made on a daily basis to use only the freshest ingredients available which no doubt accounts for the "whole food" feel of the menu. Descriptions of soups, appetizers, salads, specialites, pitas and "pitzas" let you know from the start that this is not a meat potatoes kind of place.