Aladdin's Eatery (Shirlington) [CLOSED]

What's for lunch/dinner?  Aladdin's Eatery.

The travesty of frequenting places you enjoy is that you may miss the tastiness right next door.  That's what's been happening for us by going to Shirlington for Carlyle and Capital Brewery. Just a few doors down has been a terrific Mediterranean place: Aladdin's Eatery. We ordered way too much...but it's research, right?

So, we've been twice now and this location is extremely delicious.  They have such a variety of things that this place can easily answer the question of "What do you want to eat?"  Because if you don't want wraps, then just the meat and rice. If you don't want that, get a salad. Not if that? Pita pitza.  Or go for a smoothie. Real  good.  (Almost as good as the ones M makes at home. Both use yogurt. Very tasty.) Or a dessert. The tiramisu is delectable. They use a non-alcohol liqueur substitute. Whatever it is, it is makes theirs even more delicious.

First visit

Appetizer - Vegetarian Combo
A sampling of all your favorites! Hummos, Tabouli, Baba, Falaffel, and Dawali.

Obviously, L has not had GOOD falaffel. Awesome. And the tabouli was delectable. Actually it was all quite delicious. This could be a meal in itself, if you really want to eat all that hummos and baba.

L - Aladdin's Favorite Combo
Beef Kafta, Shish Kabob, and Chicken Tawook served on a bed of seasoned white rice with vermicelli. Served with mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and your choice of dressing.

 A LOT of food here.  Each meat was very good and well-seasoned for our tastes. The side salad was fresh, but the one complaint -- didn't like the dressing option. Basically a boatload of oil with seasonings at the bottom and no good way to get it out well-suspended. Nonetheless, the meal is a good value and can be shared.

M - Taza Chicken Salad
A flavorful mix of freshly chopped spinach and romaine, squash, zucchini, grapes, dried cranberries, tomatoes and chopped marinated grilled chicken, tossed with our Honey Dijon dressing and topped with pine nuts and feta cheese.

Again, a BIG salad with very fresh veggies. Can't go wrong and, again, is probably too much for one. Split this and an appetizer and two can eat well.

Second visit, two rolled pitas: the Shishtawook and the Dawali Rolled. Both very good. The turnips in the Shishtawook are an interesting twist, but it works. And they toast the pitas, which we both like.  This place will be frequented.

More visits: Their baklava is tremendous. It is NOT Greek-style, but made with a honey/candied "shredded wheat like" outside with candied pistachios in the center. Absolutely fantastic.

Cost
$$ ($30-35.  The issue is that while the plates and a drink are around $10 each, you'll get a dessert or smoothie or appetizer or something because it's just that good.  All of the sudden, bang! you're at $30+.)
BEWARE THE $6 SIDE OF RICE...

We did finally squeeze out a $25 visit with plenty of food, but that's the best you'll probably do for two.

Cleanliness
Notably clean

Service
Good service. Attentive waiter who was relatively patient with us (both times) -- Wally, you rock!

Pluses 
Fresh food
Big portions
Wide selection
Friendly staff
Nice atmosphere
Outdoor seating
Tasty tiramisu
Fantastic baklava
A good place for a salad (finally!)

Minuses
That dressing - can they do something about that?
$6 side of rice - are you kidding? it's real good, but seriously...

Overall value
For the area and the quality of the food, it is a good value for the price. It is not cheap, but it's less than Carlyle and just as tasty, which makes it easier to have an excuse to go into Shirlington.