Media Credit score: Clara Duhon | Employees Photographer
Ala’s freekeh tabbouleh consists of crimson pomegranate seeds on high of a mixture of parsley, contemporary mint and freekeh, a grain derived from North African and Levantine cuisines.
Among the many vigorous golf equipment and eating places lining the streets round Dupont Circle lies ala, a serene Levantine tapas restaurant providing an escape from the commotion of town.
Ala’s upscale high quality eating surroundings is a 15-minute stroll from campus, positioned at 1320 nineteenth St. NW. I selected the restaurant to style distinctive dishes from Mediterranean cultures I had but to completely expertise, and ala welcomed my exploratory outlook.
Diners can select to get pleasure from their meals both in both of the restaurant’s two tales, and outside seating is obtainable within the hotter months. I used to be seated within the first flooring eating room, which held not more than 5 tables and two cubicles, offering an intimate really feel.
The trendy furnishings, summary paintings and lightweight wooden tables gave the eating space an elegant but homey vibe. A stone wall adorned with inexperienced vines and some tree branches extending from the wall as much as the ceiling introduced a chic, outdoorsy really feel into the inside.
I got here able to order from quite a lot of dishes off the varied menu that includes spreads to giant plates to desserts. Along with lunch and dinner, ala additionally affords a bottomless brunch menu on the weekends and a “espresso+extra” menu throughout weekday mornings and afternoons for examine teams, work conferences and breakfast.
I skipped ordering a drink this time, however the restaurant vends Levantine-inspired cocktails and different alcoholic drinks from across the Mediterranean area. Attempt raki, the nationwide drink of Turkey constructed from grapes and anise, or select from quite a lot of candy, home-infused wines just like the cleopatra, a crimson wine infused with rose and watermelon ($10).
I began off my meal with the labneh ($10), a chilly unfold with a barely tart, yogurt-like consistency and style, topped with spices like za’atar, a preferred mix of herbs within the Center East. Since no Center Jap dish is complete and not using a portion of baked bread, the labneh got here with spicy taboon, a Levantine bread, which was additionally topped with a mix of spices.
The cool, barely bitter labneh complimented the nice and cozy, tender taboon to make for a easy but intriguing appetizer. However the freekeh tabbouleh ($12) was the last word addition to the meal.
Served in a muted blue ceramic bowl, the putting colours of the dish instantly captivated my eye. Vibrant however deep crimson pomegranate seeds topped a mixture of parsley, strips of contemporary mint and freekeh, a grain derived from North African and Levantine cuisines. Beside the superfood combination rested an ample serving of golden-yellow heirloom tomatoes, including to the colourful vibrancy of the dish.
The hearty freekeh mixed with the vividly luminous taste of the greens, tomatoes and pomegranate supplied a crisp chunk of wholesome, plant-based elements. As a school scholar who typically neglects their dietary wants for days straight, the freekeh tabbouleh supplied an ardent freshness that my physique and style buds definitely leapt for.
As spoonful after spoonful disappeared, left behind was a shallow mix of juices from the produce, including an much more intense taste to the remnants of the dish.
Ala spoke to cravings even I didn’t know I had, leaving me glad, but desperate to mark my calendar for the following date to return.
This text appeared within the February 3, 2022 issue of the Hatchet.
