Z is for Zaytinya

Despite its former head chef Mike Isabella's less than enlightened view of his female competitors on Top Chef, I have liked Zaytinya since it opened in 2003. It's great for group dinners and solo outings. On an early summer afternoon, it was a fantastic place to sit outside and enjoy some small plates of Mediterranean food with a glass, or two, of wine.

Hommus with a pool of olive oil in the center and warm pita bread is my preferred way to start off.
Adana kebab with onions and sumac. Adana kebab is a Turkish specialty. A mixture of ground lamb seasoned with salt and red pepper flakes is formed around a skewer and grilled.
Kolokithokeftedes are pan-seared Greek zucchini and cheese patties.

Falafel (Lebanese), traditional chickpea fritters, are delicious wrapped in pita with h0mmus.

Lebanese shish taouk is grilled chicken with onions, sumac and garlic paste.