reviewed by Diane Hudson Sept. 2005
Deep blue autumn skies in Maine provide the perfect canopy for dining al fresco at Mediterranean Grill in Free-port, fragrant with its delightfully different “little dishes.”
Reflecting the Turkish and Mediter-ran-ean tradition, the restaurant is family- and chef-owned by the Cigri family.
The Mixed Appetizer Platter consists of dolma, hummus, eggplant salad, cheese, sigara boreks, and falafel ($13.95)-a must, especially for couples to split.
The Lockwood Monterey Chardonnay ($24) almost set the food to music.
Mezeler (appetizer) offerings, 14 in all, are either soguk (cold) or sicak (hot), and all are mouthwateringly stupendous. The Patli-can Salatasi (eggplant salad, $6.50) is superb, with a smokey grilled flavor. Do try the festive Sigara Borek ($7.95), fillo dough rolled in a cigarette shape with minced beef, diced onion, parsley, and fried to a perfect golden brown crispness.
The Iskender ($15.95) absolutely knocked us out. Entirely homemade, the dish consists of lamb and beef marinated in a spice mixture, put on a vertical spit, and slowly cooked on a rotating flame. Served thinly sliced, with an incredible thick, creamy sauce, the meat is tender and flavorful.
The Chicken Kabob ($14.95) was char-grilled just right, served with whole grilled tomatoes, pepper, and a choice of rice pilaf, house potatoes, or sautéed mixed vegetables.
House Specials include the intriguing Chicken Sarma-marinated chicken breast stuffed with rice and pistachios, served on a bed of spinach, mashed potatoes, and tarragon sauce ($16.95); Musakka-potato, eggplant, onion, and cubed lamb baked in bechamel sauce ($16.95); and Tiro-pita- ground beef, and lamb sautéed with onions, garlic, parsley, cheese, and herbs rolled in fillo pastry, baked and served with mushroom or red sauce ($15.95).
A good selection of kababs beckons, including beef, lamb, kofta, Doner/Gyro, and mixed grill ($14.95 to $22.95). Grilled lamb chops ($20.95) and salmon filet ($16.95) are also available. n
Mediterranean Grill, 10 School Street, Freeport. Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., lunch menu available daily. 865-1688 or www.mediterraneangrill.biz
0 Comments