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Middle Eastern Topography & Microclimates
Origins of Vegetarian Cuisine
This region was also a cultural melting pot and trade cross roads bridging flavors and spices from the Mediterranean and the Far East. Live Stock Availability & Preferences
Other Factors Effecting Vegetarian Preferences
All these factors came together over the past 2000 years or more to create and evolve what I call a tried and true vegetarian cuisine. The abundance of herbs and spices that are used to marinate the meat dishes create the delicacies we also serve.
We feel blessed to be able to bring all this to Fairfield county; whether every day at our restaurant or by catering your special occasions.
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Sit in, take out, or catering, you can always count on Layla's for great vegetarian dishes and Middle Eastern specialties. ©2004 Layla's Falafel |
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The
dishes that Layla's Falafel brings to you are common to a region of the
Middle East known as the Levant. The Levant geographically covers
southern Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel. It can be described as a
narrow coastal plain averaging 8 miles in width and parallel to a series
of mountains extending from southern turkey to southern Palestine and
reaching heights of 12,000 feet in Lebanon.
The
Levant can also be divided into hundreds of micro climates each renowned
for producing exceptional varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs,
spices, other agricultural products, and, most importantly, the
best olive oil.
As
to live stock, sheep and goat were predominantly raised by villagers for
their wool and milk, and chicken for their eggs. Animals were
slaughtered for their meat on special occasions such as feasts or
wedding, and, all parts of the animals were used.
This
abundance of vegetables and the preferences in live stock usage created
a cuisine that leaned toward a higher vegetarian content. While these
factors are common to all religions of the area, another
important factor is demography; Christians in the present Levant account
for about 20% of the population and closely observe lent to this day and
remain vegetarians for its 40 days duration. The social custom of
constant exchange of food among neighbors and friends insured the
propagation of the best recipes which we bring to you.
From
this Middle Eastern cuisine, Layla selected dishes that could be
consistently supported by the American produce market. We feel that
consistency is essential, and, over time, is what defines us and
what we offer, and, helps us better meet our customers' expectations.