Baba Levantine Trading Co.

LOCATION
A short trip north on East Brunswick’s growing restaurant strip.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Traditional Middle Eastern hospitality, a laid-back approach and fresh Turkish flavours are at work at Baba Levantine Trading Co. Maz Salt, co-owner of Baba (and of the city’s Section 8 Container Bar), brings the essence of his time spent in Istanbul to this light and airy, no-fuss dining room. Chef James Wilkinson mirrors the mellow vibe but with some serious Middle Eastern experience thrown into the mix. The menu features hot and cold mezze, Turkish-style pizzas and then gets serious with its main size claypots. It’s easy to fashion a respectable repast from the selection of mezze, or go on an exotic “food safari” – degustation East Brunswick style – and let the chefs not only cook your food but choose it for you as well.

It’s flexible dining that can incorporate pizza and beer, a selection of hot mezze with a glass of wine, or an extended food sharing session. Kick-start the meal with the warm roasted pumpkin salad with chilli, honey and croutons, and grilled merguez and sucuk sausages. Progress to the pot-braised chicken claypot with dried orange, mint and walnuts or the goat tagine for two, then cool down with the Turkish delight gelato. There’s a decent selection of local and imported wines on offer, as well as Efes Turkish beer and Turkish-style soft drinks. Finish with mint tea or Turkish coffee to sustain you as you fight over the last of the rhubarb and rose petal pannacotta with rhubarb and pomegranate jelly.

Angela Costanzo