Photo courtesy of Mezè

Dish of the Week: Dolma or dolmades

Where: Zaytinya, Mezè, Kababji Grill, Zorba’s Cafe, Neyla, Old City Cafe

In Bruno, there’s a scene in which Sacha Baron Cohen’s flamboyant alter ego tries to foster peace relations between two former leaders of Israel and Palestine by trying to connect the Palestinian political group Hamas with hummus, the mashed chick pea dip, to highlight the two warring countries’ common ties.

Former Palestinian Minister: “We both agree that hummus is very healthy.”

Bruno: “So we’re making progress!”

The same thing could be said for another Middle Eastern delight called dolma or dolmades, a dish also beloved in the region’s countries afflicted by political conflict. Although the resolution to the tension may not ultimately be solved by food, it’s worth noting that these warring nations do have many similarities, particularly in their cuisine.

Dolma’s origins seem to be Turkish, but it’s also an umbrella term for a variety of stuffed vegetable dishes served in areas that once belonged to the Ottoman Empire. These include eggplant, peppers, cabbage and grape leaves wrapped around a minced-meat-rice-herb filling.

During last weekend’s Turkish Festival, the grape leaf varietals were hawked at almost every food stand. But these soft, delicious bites can be found on the menus of almost every Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in the area.

Small Bites

Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest
Capitol Brewing Company is hosting its annual Oktoberfest this Saturday, October 6, 12 – 7 p.m. (all beer taps close at 6 p.m.) at The Village at Shirlington, 4001 Campbell Avenue in Arlington. The cost is $25, which includes wristband, tasting glass and 10 drink tickets. Ticket sales are limited so it’s first come first serve. The event is free for non-drinkers.

Pleasant Pops Grand Opening
Even though Pleasant Pops Farmhouse Market and Cafe, 1781 Florida Avenue NW, opened its doors not too long ago, it’ll be hosting a grand opening party this Sunday, October 7 from 2 – 5 p.m. The event will have music, games and, of course, a variety of goodies from the market.

Brunch expansion
District Commons, 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, will now be having brunch on Saturdays. The new day will also include the same brunch delights served on Sundays such as the raw bar, bottomless blood orange mimosas or bloody marys.

Grey market returns
Grey DC will be hosting another market filled with food startups this Sunday, October 7, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Emergence Community Art Collective, 733 Euclid Street NW. Admission fee will be $5 at the door, but it’ll be $2.37 if purchased online.