This past week was my friend Lynne Gorman’s birthday.  As a birthday treat, several of us in my office decided to take Lynne out for lunch and she chose one of my long-time favorite places, Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill.

Ali Baba has been a Dallas institution for years, most of them spent at its original location on lower Greenville Avenue, just a block from my office.  About a year ago they moved to slightly larger and more upscale digs in the Lakewood shopping district at 1901 Abrams Road (and also opened additional locations in both Richardson and Irving).

The biggest changes from the more cramped Greenville Avenue location are that there is now significantly more seating, so the previously long waits for tables seems much more reasonable and they have shifted from a menu based operation to a buffet style operation. (Menu ordering is still available).

The food at Ali Baba is outstanding, flavorful and delicious.  It seems like the entire menu has found its way to the 2 buffet tables and the opportunity to stuff myself with their Mediterranean delicacies is too tempting to only get one plate!

Some of my favorite items are their Falafel (small patties made from deep fried mashed chick peas) and Hummus (pureed chick peas with tahini, lemon juice and garlic).  Their Gyros have always been among my favorites and everyone at out lunch commented on how much they loved the Kafta (Ground beef mixed with parsley, onions and spices, rolled into a link sausage shape and grilled).  The buffet also features a variety of fresh salads like Tabouli (cracked wheat, parsley, tomatoes, lemon juice and spring onions) and Greek Salad with olives and feta cheese.

The prices are reasonable… especially given the buffet style portions and the waitstaff are friendly and attentive.  Ali Baba Mediterranean Grill is a treat not to be missed… so give yourself a present and treat yourself to a casual, yet special meal.  It doesn’t have to be your birthday!