We visited Ala late last year and enjoyed a great meal. Recently, we heard that the menu had been updated, so decided to return. I brought the same guest to both dinners. It was her birthday, hence the candle in her baklava. We did order Antep Baklava and Baba Ganouj again but everything else was new to us.
We ordered the Pandora (gin, lavender, lime) and glass of Tarrida Brut Brut Cava (Spain). We were wondering how gin, lavender, and lime would work together — would the gin overpower it? It turned out to be a great cocktail that we will order again. The cava was refreshing, and full flavored with very well-balanced acidity. It was one of the better cavas we have tried.
Duck Prosciutto was new to us, and we both enjoyed it. It was flavorful with a nice slightly chewy (cured) texture. The crispy rice lavash it was served on was flimsy, making the duck a little difficult to eat, but well worth the effort. We always enjoy their Baba Ganou — this is the third time we have ordered it. The watermelon salad (watermelon, feta, water cress, mint, pomegranate) was refreshing and a nice flavor and texture combination. The Brussels sprouts, walnuts, and toum (garlic sauce) dish (Karanab) was very well executed, and my guest made a point of mentioning that she really enjoyed it.
The entrees (Grilled Seabass and Short Ribs) were both standouts. We agreed that the beef dish was the favorite of the evening (very flavorful with a nice meaty texture and served with delicious grilled potatoes), but the fish was a close second. The Seabass was delicate and worked well with the grilled lemon, red onions, radishes, fennel, and asparagus. We originally intended to order the Turkish Coffee Rub Lamb Shank, but they were out of it. The lamb probably had enough caffeine to jump the fence and make a run for it.
The Antep Baklava (vegan) and Shish Kunafa (pistachio, rose, sweet cheese, pistachio, rose) were both very good desserts.
The service as always is really good at Ala. Everyone is personable and attentive and the dietary restrictions (a few between the two of us) were handled well. They even let us switch tables to one where the lighting was better when they saw us taking photos.
Ala is having Restaurant Week specials August 5-25 (2 weeks left!) with a 4-course dinner for $55 and a 3-course brunch for $35.
-JAY
