文章基本信息

标题：Get a good taste of another culture
作者：Julie Kanago ; Central Valley graduate
期刊名称：Spokesman Review, The (Spokane)
出版年度：2001
卷号：Aug 6, 2001
出版社：Cowles Publishing Co.

Get a good taste of another culture

Julie Kanago, Central Valley graduate

Editor's note: Our Generation occasionally runs a review of a restaurant or entertainment spot two people can enjoy for less than $20.

Tired of American culture (or the significant lack thereof)? Want to travel the world without getting involved in nasty civil wars and religious conflicts? Have you had dinner yet? A Friday night dinner at Azar's on 2501 N. Monroe is a great way to experience Middle Eastern culture without leaving town - even if you're not the bravest eater!

Don't worry if the items on the menu sound foreign - they are. Fortunately, asking for a description or help with your Arabic pronunciation won't make you feel like a stupid foreigner. Who would have guessed tahini (ta-HEE-nee) is a sesame-seed sauce?

The food may sound strange, but it tastes surprisingly good. Gyros (YEE-rohs) sandwiches, made with slices of meat on pita bread, can be made with one of several sauces or topped with melted feta cheese. Sandwiches made with spiced chicken or falafel (think Middle Eastern hush puppies) also are available, as well as chicken curry, lamb kebabs, stuffed grape leaves and spanikopita (layers of thin pastry with spinach and cheese).

While it's a great place to visit any day, Friday nights are especially interesting. From 6:30 to 8:30, Aisha Azar performs Egyptian-style belly dance, which, if you've never seen it before, will dispel any "I-Dream-of-Jeannie" stereotypes of belly dance you may have. Ask nicely, and she'll let you play with her sparkly scarves or teach you to shimmy!

Even if you're just stopping by for a pot of strong Turkish coffee and baklava, you'll be treated like one of the family. The owners' kids and cousins often cook and bus tables. Don't be surprised if youngest son Ramsey asks you to play Frisbee in the parking lot.

To top it off, dinner will cost significantly less than plane tickets to Jordan. Gyros, Greek salad and dessert for two will set you back less than $20. So go ahead. Broaden your culinary horizons. Who knows? You might be able to pull off a "what-I-did-on-my-summer- vacation" essay about how you experienced Middle Eastern cuisine firsthand -- without mentioning you were in Spokane the whole time.

Grade: A