Albasha
3501 Severn Ave #1, Metairie, LA 70002, USA
Metairie 2: Orleans Line To Houma Blvd
Backstory
The name translates as something like "the man in charge" or "the boss." Albasha opened its first location in Baton Rouge, which has long had a larger community of Middle Eastern restaurants than New Orleans. The Covington branch opened in 2007, in a new strip mall next to the Abita River.
Dining Room
The big windows, tall ceilings and clean lines make the restaurant airy and comfortable. The young servers are efficient and pleasant.
Why It's Essential
As common as Middle Eastern restaurants are in New Orleans proper, they are rare on the North Shore. The Covington branch of the Baton Rouge-based chain Albasha is the only one of significance. It offers the standard menu of Lebanese cooking, plus a smattering of Greek food, in a spacious, bright, sharp restaurant.
Why It's Good
The food here is just okay. While I've never considered sending anything back, everything I've had here is less good than what I'm accustomed to eating in the best New Orleans Lebanese restaurants. I've certainly tried it often enough: when one has a taste for this cuisine, one must have it, and it's really the only game in town. Maybe that's the problem.
Most Interesting Dishes
Hummus<br /> Baba ghanouj<br /> Tzatziki ("Grecian sauce")<br /> »Fried kibbe<br /> Falafel<br /> »Spinach pies<br /> »Fried halloumi cheese<br /> Meat stuffed bell pepper, grape leaves, cabbage rolls, or squash<br /> Feta cheese with olives<br /> Mujadarah<br /> Lentil soup<br /> Feta cheese salad <br /> Fatoush salad<br /> Tabboule<br /> »Gyros plate or sandwich<br /> »Chicken shawarma plate or sandwich<br /> »Souvlaki (shish kabob) plate or sandwich<br /> Falafel sandwich<br /> Chicken shawarma or gyros salad <br /> »Mousaka (eggplant or squash) <br /> Lamb shank<br /> Kafta kabob plate<br /> Vegetarian plate<br /> Shrimp shish kabob<br /> Broiled shrimp scampi<br /> Broiled tilapia<br /> Broiled redfish<br /> Combination seafood platter<br /> Baklava<br /> »Ashta (phyllo filled with cream cheese)<br /> Tiramisu<br /> Chocolate cake
Deficiencies
It's hard to say what makes it this way, but I find the food here dull. The ingredients are of good quality and everything comes out hot, but I usually register disappointment in the flavor.
For Best Results
The portions are very large, and unless you're splitting dishes there is no real need to order more than an entree platter. A meal of appetizers is an attractive possibility.
Bonus Ratings
1
Attitude
1
Environment
1
Local Color
1
Service
2
Value