All Points North - From the Moon to the Sahara

From the Moon to the Sahara

Mediterranean restaurant opens in Plattsburgh.

Story and photo by Rachael Osborne

Newly opened in Plattsburgh, New York, on Route 3, Sahara restaurant cooks up an interesting mix of Mediterranean and American cuisine. Upon entering Sahara, at the former Desert Moon restaurant location, it was unclear whether my guest and I were supposed to seat ourselves or wait for a host. Business seemed slow for a rainy Friday afternoon, and once the host arrived to seat us, the service was prompt.

Looking over the menu, there was an especially wide range of typical American foods-burgers, subs, sandwiches,and a small selection of Lebanese foods. Having never tried Lebanese cuisine before, my guest and I opted to try the grape leaves for an appetizer.

Sahara Restaurant offers a variety of Lebanese and American foods, like their grape leaves stuffed with rice, tomato, parsley, lemon, and oil.

For the main course, I was fixed on ordering the usual-a cheeseburger with french fries; my guest decided on their chicken parmigiana sub.

The friendly waitress brought us our drinks, and a few moments later our appetizers arrived. At first, I was surprised at how small the portions were, thinking about the $5 I just spent on these four shiny cigar-looking logs, but I proceeded to try them. To the touch, they were slimy and cold (which, as I later asked the waitress, is how they are supposed to be), with a strong leafy flavor. Expecting something warm, with a grape flavor, I could not take more than a single bite and my guest felt the same.

A little while later, our entreés arrived. Disappointed with our appetizers, we were pleased that this time our food was served hot. My guest was not disappointed with his chicken parmigiana sub, but said that the sub roll was a little dry and they could have added more chicken. Topped with a pile of shredded lettuce, my quarter-inch thick, squared hamburger patty sat on a crumbly bun. The fries were tasty, but the burger was not memorable; and I wish I would have opted for one of their wraps instead.

The waitress brought our check, and surprised us by kindly removing the grape leaves from our bill. For two lunches, our check totaled a reasonable $15. Sahara does take out, free delivery, and catering for all occasions.

What's your favorite Lebanese food? Let us know!

2 out of 5

Sahara
Mediterranean-American Food

334 Cornelia Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
(518) 561-8301

Open Sunday-Thursday 11-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 11-10 p.m.