Have you ever felt the pang of guilt and self-consciousness for absolutely loving Alladin's? Its as if you are not special enough because you love the chain mass-producing monster instead of working hard to find authenticity of mom and pop's places. Anyway I am as special as they get and I love it. I would buy itchy asymmetrical gloves made by blind nuns instead of Ralph Lauren's but I would still eat Babaganoush from Aladdin's. Go figure. When I was invited to Taza, I thought to myself- here's my chance to redeem myself and fall in love with an authentic cuisine. Enough of Alladin's nonsense I said. And imagine this: food there is identical to Alladin's! Besides that sesame seed dressing with fancy pita and amazingly seasoned French fries, everything else is ABSOLUTELY THE SAME. Only $5-10 more.
Plus romantic atmosphere and bigger plates. And nicer service. Looking for difference between these two places was like looking for a black cat in a dark room after the cat left. There was none. But after all I don't mind it. I actually love the concept. Have you ever wished for Five Guys burgers being served on porcelain plates in dim-lit dining room so you will have an excuse to eat them when out instead of some fancy weird fish in sweet marinade? Yep same feeling here. As long as you keep giving me good Middle Eastern food ( fake or not), I am willing to eat anywhere - out of Styrofoam take out box in crowded lunch room or fancy restaurant on Eaton plaza. Because goodness is an independent variable. It's good no matter where it's served.