February 25, 2010 (Updated March 2, 2023)

Dear Pitas: You are awesome. Love, Anne

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

14 comments

Seriously, though. I feel you like can put anything on a warm, toasty pita and it will be amazing.

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Mmmmm…

Last night I went with a friend to my favorite Lebanese place in the D.C. area — Aladdin’s Eatery! Not only does this place have amazing food, but it’s also super cheap. And when I say cheap I mean you can get an appetizer, a main course, and a glass of wine for $20 total. Now that’s my kind of place! 🙂

[For those of you in the area — I was devastated to find last night that the Ballston location had closed, but thankfully we hightailed it over to Shirlington and that location is alive and well! Go support them so they stay in business because otherwise I will cry!]

We started dinner off with the hummus, which comes with a side of fresh, warm pitas. They have the best hummus ever. Yes, I realize that’s a bold statement. Come find out for yourself.

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And then we shared two of their Pita Pitzas (heh) — starting with the Ali Baba Pitza, which comes topped with pureed eggplant, sliced tomatoes, feta cheese, char-grilled slices of eggplant, slivered calamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano. SO GOOD!!

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As well as the Farrouk’s Falaffel Pitza, which is spread with a delicious garlicky tahini yogurt dressing and topped with chunks of falafel, yellow pepper rings, and diced tomatoes, with a garnish of chopped parsley.

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Man, I want more just looking at these pictures!

I’m heading outside today for my scheduled training run — yes, you read that right… an OUTSIDE RUN!!!! 😀 There’s still snow everywhere, but it’s sunny, so whatever. We’re supposed to get snow later today again (FML) so I need to get out there while I can!

Also, I completely revamped my recipes page! There’s now clearer sections and lots of food porn. Go see and let me know what you think! 🙂

Ta-ta for now!

Vegetarian Appetizers
- anne

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14 comments
  • catiedidit
    Aladdin's started in Cleveland (I think)...which is where I'm from! There are SO many in all of the neighborhoods outside of Cleveland. You're right, they do have the best hummus!!! I don't eat meat anymore, but I love their chicken salad pita....Don't know what's in it, but it's like crack.
    Reply
  • Becky @ flybynyght
    Wow - you absolutely take the most gorgeous food pics. I read your photography tutorial and I have to say that it has definitely helped!! Outside runs are soooo much better than the dreadmill - even in the freezing cold!!!!
    Reply
  • Katy ( The Balanced Foodie )
    Dear Anne: You are awesome. Love, PITAS! ;) Or me.. P.S. I get to see you next weekend, just saying..
    Lol! You are adorable. And YAY!!!! So pumped to see you and the Florida sunshine :) -Anne
    Reply
  • Anne
    Dear Anne P, I TOO am Anne P. Anne...with an E. A very serious distinction from those without. I think so anyway. and i'm in DC. AND I used to work in Shirlington, which is when i developed an unhealthy addiction to Aladdin's. So, there ya have it. I have been enjoying the blog, keep it up! :) Anne P.
    What a lovely name you have, Anne P! ;) And yes... TOTALLY need the E. Way cooler, in my (unbiased) opinion. Heh. And it sounds like your taste in food and blogs is as awesome as your name! ;) -Anne
    Reply
  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    girl, i love pitas too...they're so versatile and the PERFECT portion size for just about anything! i'd love to try the world's best hummus...looks like a kick-ass meal :)
    Reply
  • Jessica
    OMG! I so badly wanted to hit up that Shirlington spot last night! Too bad my boyfriend vetoed the idea. I am definitely picking up a rolled pita tonight! My craving just got worse. Thanks a lot! haha ;)
    Reply
  • Adventurer
    Love those pitas! And glad you could run outside. Let us know how it goes - and where you run. Enjoy!
    Reply
  • Gretchen
    Anne - have you tried Lebanese Taverna yet? It is the best lebanese food I have ever had and the family that owns the chain is super nice! There is one in Tysons, Arlington and Pentagon Row depending on where you live. There is also a cafe in Rockville that has the BEST chicken shawarma sandwiches ever. Ahhh I want to eat there right now.
    I have indeed! I'm a big fan of that place as well. Me Jana in Courthouse is great, too, although a bit pricey! What's the name of the cafe in Rockville?? -Anne
    Reply
    • Gretchen
      It's also Lebanese Taverna but it is a cafe version of their restaurant so you can get sandwiches of their popular dishes, like the chicken shawarma. By the way, Chrysalis is my favorie winery too...I live about 10 min from the vineyard and we used Sarah's Patio Red at our wedding:)
      Oh awesome! I'll have to check that out. I'm a big chicken shawarma fan :) I'm so jealous you live by Chrysalis... that area is so gorgeous!! -Anne
      Reply
  • Sarah
    That food looks delicious!! I love Shirlington, such a cute downtown with restaurants. I love Bus Boys and Poets (all locations). Me Jana is expensive so it's a nice treat every once in a while :) I'm going to Maoz Vegetarian in Dupont tomorrow! I've heard wonders about this cheap vegetarian Mediterranean chain!! Oooh there is a Lebanese Taverna Market on Lee Highway in Cherrydale!!
    I didn't know there was a Maoz here!! I used to go to the ones in Europe!! Best falafel ever! -Anne
    Reply
  • jen
    Wow...I wish I had a place for pitas and hummus like that in my neck of the woods! That looks so good. Also, I am a total wuss and keep running inside...I wish I was brave like you!
    You can do it!! I have a rule: I will run when it's light out and cold, but not when it's dark and cold. Sunshine + cold = refreshing. Dark + cold = hell no. Try running outside this weekend :) -Anne
    Reply
  • Jessica
    Umm so Aladdins in Ballston closed, like for good or for that night?!! I MUST eat at Aladdins when I come visit or I just might cry. Why did they close our place Anne?! I need me some Lebanese food stat. I could just overload on some garlic again I guess at Greek Island. :D ha!
    Bahhh closed for good!!! :( I am pretty much devastated. But don't worry we will go to the one in Shirlington when you are here for sure!!! :) xoxo A
    Reply