The Sultan's Market

With a name like, The Sultan’s Market, you can expect there to be a significant amount of traffic or at the very least a stop and pause, “What’s that all about” response? Metromixchicago readers gave this place 4 out of 5 stars; so needless to say, I had to check it out for myself. To give you a bit of an overview, The Sultan’s Market is a local Lincoln Park dine in/carry out type of establishment and it falls in the category of Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean style cuisine. From what I’ve heard, parking is much more accessible at the Wicker Park location. To your advantage, The Sultan Market is BYOB and their most expensive item is under $9 dollars.

According to spicedepot.com, Drier fruitier wines like Riesling and Chardonnay pair well with mezzas or (appetizers) and fruitier more mild flavored red wines like Beaujolais, Pinot Noirs and Merlots tend to complement many of the main courses. Common spices used in Middle Eastern cuisine include, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, coriander, ginger, tumeric, sumac, baharat (blend), caraway, anise seed, allspice and cinnamon. Lamb and chicken schwarmas are among the most predominantly ordered cuisines among patrons. Expect an extensive salad bar featuring a variety of vegetables not limited to: marinated artichokes, toasted cauliflower, fresh mozzarella, tasty feta cheese, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes.

Popular mezzes (or appetizers) are hummus, savory phyllo pastries, baba ghanouj, and stuffed grape leaves. I’ve had the privilege of tasting all but baba ghanouj at The Sultan’s Market. The hummus was perfectly seasoned; I wouldn’t add or eliminate a thing. The flatbread is ordered from a local bakery off of Kedzie Ave, and it just so happens to be one of the most recognized bakeries in the city of Chicago. The lamb was on the drier side, but everything else compensated for the lack of meat quality.

Though the restaurant only seats a comfortable 12 on the inside, it didn’t seem to deter people from waiting in line. Customer service at The Sultan’s Market for the type of establishment it is, was phenomenal; product knowledge was there, sincere recommendations, and chill atmosphere.

It’s too soon to rate The Sultan’s Market, but they definitely win points on authenticity, friendliness, and affordability; three of the most important criteria for consumers, if you ask me.

Cork Break

There’s probably a reason people insist on ordering the same entrée at their favorite restaurant, or in taking the same route home every day, or in avoiding change at all costs. Most recently I’ve been wanting to expand my wine palette so every now and then, (and by that, I mean, at least two or three times a week) I’ll stop off to peruse the wine aisle at the most conveniently located wine/liquor store on my drive home from work.

Tonight, Ecco Domani’s 1996 D’ Alberta as well as a 1997 CabSauv struck my attention. When I got home, I went to open the goods and the cork broke with little, if any abrasion on my part. At first, I was horrified at my sudden inability to successfully uncork a bottle of wine, especially being in the hospitality industry for quite some time now. Gaining control over the situation, I managed to pour myself a glass of the brownish, pinkish, foul smelling wine. Now, I’m no wine connoisseur, but even I can decipher a quality wine from one that has long exceeded its shelf life.

I thought, maybe the CabSauv would make up for the first flop. Negative; I had my mom open the bottle just to make sure it wasn’t in fact an inaptitude I may have. The same freaking thing happened!! You can only imagine my distaste for Ecco Domani at this point.

I did discover a great bottle of wine while rummaging through the garage; Carmen’s 2006 Syrah, a red wine from Chile. It poured a beautiful deep purple red color; infused with black cherries, blueberries, and cassis. The hints of leather and spices lay remnant following each sip. Considering my immense disappointment in my attempt to try an older vintage from an unfamiliar winery, Syrah blew me away. It really made up for the first TWO flops. I’d highly recommend sampling this red wine next time you are tempted to reach for the usual bottle of Merlot or Cabernet.