Queens Tribune

42-24 Bell Blvd., Bayside
(718) 225-2904
CUISINE: Turkish
HOURS: M-F 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight; Sun 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
CREDIT CARDS: All major
PARKING: Street

With the current popularity of Mediterranean diets, it’s in vogue to chow down on white beans, cucumber and humus at Lailla’s Restaurant on Bell Boulevard in Bayside.

A hearty yet healthy Turkish and Mediterranean meal begins with the Sampler Platter that includes pita pieces for dipping in the assorted walnut and pepper and eggplant and mayo sauces. You can also whet your appetite with Arnavut Ciger, panfried calf liver served with red onions, parsley and lemon or Kizarmis Patates, otherwise known as “French Fries.”

After some palate spicing, you can dig into a scrumptious sea bass or bite into a shish kebab or thick slab of lamb. Each dish tastes freshly prepared down to the carefully cut garnishes framing the plate.

Puddings and yogurts rule Lailla’s dessert menu, and the Kayisi Tatlisi, apricots stuffed with walnuts, ends the meal on a sweet note.

The restaurant’s Turkish flavor is not just in its food; traditional Turkish “evil eye” amulets scattered throughout the restaurant keep close watch on the patrons and bring good luck. Customers should feel lucky that the delectable menu choices are also reasonably priced: $5 to $7 for appetizers and $12 to $15 for entrees.

The place gets rockin’ on the weekends when customers pack the tables to enjoy live music and a festive meal.