Few around here even knew what hummus was when Terry and Jerry Barakat started serving it when they opened the Terrace in 1981 in Breckenridge Village. Now it’s about as common as it gets — a staple appetizer with several varieties available at any grocery store. You can’t say the same thing about tabbouleh or baba
Those three traditional Greek dishes remain staples at the Terrace — or, to be accurate, the Terrace Mediterranean Kitchen — 36 years later, served now under the guidance of the
The first dip of soft pita into the Terrace hummus quickly reminded us the difference in this creamy, rich and light dip vs. typical grocery hummus. The equally rich and creamy baba
We also adored the Warm Goat Cheese ($6.95), a rounded puck of soft chevre, lightly coated with bread crumb dust and served with about a half-dozen cloves of roasted garlic, pesto made with sun-dried tomatoes, plenty of Greek olives and some crispy slices of toasted baguette. Combining the gooey, creamy cheese with the sweet garlic, the sharper taste of the sun-dried tomatoes and the thin, crunchy baguette is the way to enjoy it best.
We are a sucker for
We’ve also always loved moussaka. It’s like shepherd’s pie and lasagna had a delicious Greek baby. This comfort food features thinly sliced eggplant layered with well-seasoned ground beef and loose, rich savory custard on top. The Terrace’s moussaka ($14.95) is a generous portion accompanied by roasted carrots and tasty rice.
We have a friend who declares the Terrace’s chocolate creme brulee ($6.75) the best in town, which is saying
At 7:30 p.m. on a recent Wednesday, the small dining room was almost full, as were the few outdoor tables even though it was more than a little steamy outside. Service was fabulous, and we fully enjoyed our first trip back to this Little Rock classic in some time.
The Terrace Mediterranean Kitchen
2200 Rodney Parham Road
217-9393
theterracelittlerock.com
Quick bite
A great blast from the Terrace’s past still awaits at the top of the menu: the kitchen sampler ($8.50), decent-sized portions of creamy hummus, tart tabbouleh and piquant baba
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays, 5-9:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat.
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