Sorry folks--I was in Springfield, Illinois for a job training since the 9th and just barely got back last night, at midnight. It was an exhausting trip...but more on that later. For today's post, it's yet another gastronomical exploration at Mazza, a Middle Eastern restaurant.
Both my parents have shied away from Middle Eastern cuisine, mostly due to the unfamiliar blend of spices that flavor the dish--sumac, cumin, turmeric, coriander, etc. But mom was willing to at least try a few dishes. I've heard good things about Mazza, so we came here for lunch.
We shared a bowl of spinach & lentil soup. It was flavored with indescribable blend of spices, many of which we've never encountered before. It was spicy, yet not hot, a very pleasantly strange sensation, and not overpowering. We both thought it very good. I'm guessing cumin, coriander and maybe sumac?
Since I'm a big salad fan, I ordered their Fattoosh.
A medley of chopped lettuce, mint, tomatoes, cukes, radishes and onions with pita chip croutons. Drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil, it was filling but refreshing.
Mom ordered their falafel, a 'croquette' of fava and garbanzo beans. Very flavorful and filling, the breading on the outside was nice and crunchy without being greasy. Mom really enjoyed this dish.
They gave us a complimentary/sample baklava for dessert. This was the lightest, crispiest baklava I've ever had--most of the ones I've had are laden with so much syrup that the phyllo layers soak them up, making them almost chewy.
Trying out cuisines from around the world allows us to broaden our palates and embrace wider range of flavor profile. Trust me, doing so will open so many doors for a truly exceptional gustatory experience.
We'll definitely be back to try Mazza's other dishes!
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