Oleana – Moussaka Me!

Oleana has been on my list of restaurants to try in the Boston area. Located in Cambridge, Oleana takes a modern approach to Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, which results in sultry, delicious food. The restaurant has a warm and comfortable atmosphere, while the staff gives just the right amount of friendliness and attentiveness. [TIP: Get a table on their patio. It’s a fantastic place to dine on a summer evening and has the charm of a friend’s backyard, only bigger!]

Octopus Salad with Kaparosalata & Fava Toast – beautifully prepared and oh-so-tender. The octopus was meaty yet had a delicate ocean flavor. The octopus was nicely balanced by the acidity of the capers and the firm fava beans on the crunchy toast.
Sultan’s Delight: Tamarind Glazed Beef & Smokey Eggplant Purée with Pinenuts – the beef was good, but the eggplant purée stole the spotlight in this dish. It was so creamy and luscious…Mmmm! The braised beef was quite tender, falling apart with just a fork. I also enjoyed the subtle and elegant use of the tamarind, since it’s usually more of an in-your-face flavor.
Flattened Lemon Chicken with Za’atar & Turkish Cheese Pancake – the chicken was overcooked and dry, but the skin had a lovely crisp and lots of flavor from the za’atar. Eating the chicken with the Turkish cheese pancake helped give it some moistness and richness. This was the only dish I didn't like…I knew I should have ordered the Morrocan-spiced shrimp. Next time.
Moussaka: Minced Lamb & Eggplant Pie with Whipped Fava – *sigh*, this dish brought me back to the Greek islands, and I could almost see its cobalt blue waters again. This moussaka was made perfectly, and it’s served as a side dish so the portion is just right…looooooooved it! It was lighter and fluffier than traditional moussakas, but without sacrificing any of the flavors. The ground lamb was rich and savory with just a hint of spice. Seriously, this is *my* kind of comfort food and the best dish of the night.
Frozen Meyer Lemon Soufflé with Pistachio Milk Glacé & Pistachio Katmer on Hibiscus Syrup – the perfect ending to a lovely meal. I appreciated how they revamped the traditional Mediterranean desserts, as well as the simple yet sophisticated presentation. The frozen soufflé had the texture of a frozen custard or semifreddo – it was creamy and sweet, but the meyer lemon added a bright and fresh element to the dessert. The pistachio katmer is similar to the flaky, rich baklava – a nice contrast to the soufflé. And the pistachio milk glacé (ice cream) tied everything together. DELISH!
Oleana, I’m coming back for your moussaka (as well as your other tasty bites)!

BITE METER: Oleana – 4.0 bites (out of 5)