I forgot to give you a quickie write-up on this pretty decent little spot with nice outside tables on the "mall" in Shirlington (4044 S. 28th St, Arlington, VA-www.aladdinseatery.com) which is a great place to grab a bite or light (or heavy) dine as well if you are looking for decent Middle Eastern fare.
Aladdin's is part of a large nationwide chain with more than a dozen spots in Ohio, some in Pittsburgh and also Chicago, Charlotte, San Antonio and yes, three in Virginia. The food is standard, but tasty Middle Eastern, the prices are low and the portions are big.
We started with several apps the FOOLE M DAMAS being the nice surprise with Pureed FAVA Beans, Garlic, Olive Oil, Lemon and diced Tomato and Parsley with Pita (everything comes with Pita for dipping!). FALAFFEL here is made with the traditional CHICK PEAS, but also FAVA Beans and has a Tahini Yoghurt Dip that is used with many other dishes as well. They are not greasy and have great flavor. The very lemony DAWALI are rice, chick pea and tomato stuffed grape leaves with feta and parsley sprinkled on top with the house "Aladdin's Dressing."
We both had the SHWARMA ROLLED PITA, one beef and one chicken. These are large "wraps" filled with meat, greens, tomato, onions, turnips, pickles, parsley and the Tahini Yogurt Dressing. They have just the right amount of spice, but always beware that dressing oozing out the bottom. That's why they come in foil wraps!
We tried the Baklava which was nothing special, but the fact is that you can eat here for a pretty decent bargain and the food is quite tasty. The Rolled Pitas start with meat ones at under $6.00 and the apps average the same. There are many large salads if you wish to avoid the pita and carbs, again in the same price range! The wines are decent with a nice Lebanese house white running in the low $20-range.
