MARK FORMANEK PHOTOS
JUST A TASTE:
Pitaziki Mediterranean Grill By Liese Klein
“H
ave it your way” could be the new tagline for ethnic fast food in downtown New Haven, and what we’re having tastes pretty darn good. The latest debut in this dining trend is Pitaziki on Temple Street, which deconstructs Middle Eastern food on the model of national chain Chipotle’s deconstruction of Mexican cuisine. Like its cousin Tikkaway a few blocks away, Pitaziki offers diners an array of choices in a clean, bright setting more like a frozen yogurt shop than an ethnic eatery. Lime green accents and blond wood freshen up the narrow storefront and a youthful and friendly staff are on hand to guide newcomers. This is the drill: Pick a protein, sides and toppings and then a sauce to drizzle on top. Platforms for your choices include a pita sandwich, wrap, rice or salad. The chicken kabob salad ($7.95) boasted chunks of tender, well-spiced meat over fresh romaine drizzled in tahini sesame sauce. Better still were the sides of fresh-tasting cabbage slaw and silky eggplant nestled in with the lettuce. Chunky turnip pickles added an earthy hit of saltiness and a cucumber and tomato salsa lightened up the plate. In all, a satisfying yet healthy meal that rivals Tikkaway as virtuous fast food. Steak shawarma in a wrap ($6.95) featured the disconcertingly squishy meat typical of the spit-roasted delicacy. A hit of hot sauce enlivens the sandwich, along with nuggets of smoky roasted cauliflower.
Pitaziki’s Gasser Badawi and Munaza Ali
Paul DeFransesco, Owner/Operator Since 2000
On Beautiful Long Island Sound
Best family value on the shore Clams • Oysters Seafood Platters Lobster Rolls Burgers • Salads
38 Ocean Ave, West Haven 203-932-0440 60 N OVEMBER 2014
Friend us on Facebook for specials
We’re Gonna Make Your Day... Post Your Events. All For Free. Link your event posting to your website. That’s free, too.
Add your facility to a searchable list of a 1,000 venues from across Connecticut, you can even link back to your website.
Post Your Events For Free www.ctcalendar.com NEWHAVENMAGAZINE.COM