Tasty Tuesday: Al Baraka
By Anna Beth McCormick, Communications Intern
This week's Tasty Tuesday brings us to Al Baraka Mediterranean Grill, located near Meredith College. Al Baraka specializes in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, featuring a large menu with lots of options including gyros, salads and meat platters to try. There is sure to be something for everyone, whether you order from the regular menu or the kid’s menu, are looking for the vegetarian options or want a few things from their takeout and catering specials. Appetizer portions of hummus and pita, grape leaves and baba ghannouj all make the perfect side to your freshly-made order.
For my lunch visit, I enjoyed a steak Caesar salad made fresh in front of me. The salad was tossed with croutons, parmesan cheese and a traditional Caesar dressing with a generous portion of steak grilled to perfection on top. The meat was fresh and expertly seasoned, making for the perfect lunch stop during a busy work day. I finished off my lunch with a piece of homemade pistachio baklava, a sweet and flavorful traditional pastry.
In addition to specializing in fresh ingredients and authentic cuisine, Al Baraka also offers a market to its customers. After visitors enjoy their meal, they can stop next door in the Al Baraka Market for fresh ingredients to enjoy Mediterranean flavors at home. They carry bulk spices, top quality mixes, halal frozen foods, premium halal meats, essential fruits, vegetables and nuts that you cannot find anywhere else. A visit to Al Baraka Mediterranean Grill is not just a lunch stop, it is an experience.
In the meat department, Al Baraka specializes in everything from steaks to kabobs. Their bakery offers made fresh daily Mediterranean pastries, including traditional baklava which comes in variety of options such as pistachio, walnut, lady finder, pecan and almond. The fresh honey and nuts used in their traditional pastries are attributed to many health benefits.
Al Baraka also offers a catering menu for events of 10 or more people. Their catering options are more selective than their main menu but will surely satisfy a crowd at any upcoming meeting or your next big event.
I will absolutely be frequenting Al Baraka again soon for their friendly atmosphere and authentic menu. I cannot wait to try something new next time I stop in and start visiting their market regularly. Stop by Al Baraka this Tuesday for some authentic Mediterranean Cuisine!