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| - This weekend, my parents and I dined at one of my favorite Cleveland spots, TAZA. Part of the Cleveland-based Aladdin's restaurant chain (which has locations in Chicago, Charlotte, Raleigh, Toledo, Detroit, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Arlington and San Antonio!), Taza is known for its wide variety of traditional mezza (Lebanese for 'tapas,' or appetizers). Taza has been referred to as an upscale Aladdin's. This place is such a staple in my food-life and I am so excited to finally share it with all of you!
Much like Aladdin's (which is also amazing, you should go if there is a location near you!), options are all meant to be shared family-style (include hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pickled turnips, olives and cucumber, and cinnamon-scented sausages). Every meal also begins with (my favorite part!) fresh pita bread, prepared in Taza's beehive oven and served with olives, yogurt and olive oil. I love this bread so much that I normally plan my meal around it! I like enjoying at least 2 pieces, so I normally just order soup so that I don't have to get carried out of the restaurant with a crane. The soup is delicious though, so it's really the best of both worlds! I've had many things of the menu, including fresh, flavorful salads, sandwiches and kebabs. While they are all excellent, nothing tops the doughiness of the pita for me, so I stick to my bread and soup. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. The restaurant owner knows me, the Mister and my family by name -- we come here THAT often. I'd say we go to this restaurant at least 3 times a month.
Taza is a smaller restaurant and has an intimate feel to it. I probably didn't capture it well in the photos, but the lighting is remarkable and very romantic.
All of the action can be observed in the restaurant's open kitchen, which sits behind a glass partition.
TAZA also carries gourmet teas. My favorite flavor (pineapple green tea) is so refreshing and I cannot find it ANYWHERE else. I look forward to savoring a cup every time I go to TAZA.
As I mentioned before, 9/10 times I order the Chicken Nine Vegetable Soup. It is homemade and includes all the fresh, seasonal veggies TAZA has that week.
But I'll be honest, my favorite part of the meal is the BREAD. These pillowy clouds of heaven are accompanied by a mouth-watering seasame oil dipping sauce, which I could easily guzzle down by the bottle - so delicious ;)
The staff and owners of TAZA are also fabulous and once you go here a few times, they'll remember you by name, too and greet you with a smile (or sometimes a hug!). Hands down, one of my favorite restaurants.
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