Lalezar brings an authentic
taste of Turkish Mediterranean Cuisine to Montclair,
New Jersey. Located 718-720 Bloomfield Avenue. Lalezar
is the second
restaurant owned by Khateejeh (Heidi) Basaran-Birson aka"Miss.
Lalezar" She is the founder of TAROA. Turkish American Restaurant Owners Association.
With Lalezar, she seeks to bring the lesser-known taste from Europe that meets
Asia to the States, and for that she employs only the award winning chefs from
Turkiye and will often have guest chefs, who are experienced in specialty dishes
from different regions in Turkiye. Lalezar strives to bring unparallelled flavors
of Turkish Cuisine with top-notch restauranteurship and introduce Turkic intricate
and unique preparation of grilled Kebab meats in a thoughtful and authentic manner
creating a lifestyle through fresh healthy dishes, with a passion for serving
and selling
only fresh ingredients.
Today in Turkiye recipes vary from location to location. Eastern Turkish recipes
have unique spices and are plant based. Central Turkey is known for their meat
dishes, pastries, breads, pasta that is primarily wheat based. Western Turkey
is famous for its seafood.
We welcome you to visit us soon ! |
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Lalezar derives its name from the
beloved tulip referred to as "Lale" from the Lalezar era of the Ottomans. The
Sultans believed Lale was a gift from god to the Ottoman royal
lineage. Lalezar is translated to "King of Tulips" or "Garden of
Tulips" and it is the name of a special tulip created by the Imperial
Botanists. Historical notes state that it took the Imperial Botanists
close to a century to create this beautiful long stemmed tulip
that was as delicate as a feather. Unfortunately, this special
tulip was destroyed during the collapse of Lalezar era. Many botanists
in Turkiye and Holland to this day are still trying to recreate
this particular tulip "Lale". |
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Lalezar prides itself on
its varied menu, yet each dish is a healthy offering. Mezes are
plant based and
prepared in olive oil. Signature mezes include hummus, eggplant
salad, sigara boreks, cacik. The main course focuses
on delicately marbled grilled meats that are cooked on an 11
foot long open
flame grill. Lalezar guests can choose from
a variety of the different cuts of lamb, beef and chicken or
opt for the traditional
combination dishes featuring an assorted serving of all. Lalezar also offers a large selection of fresh seafood specials. Signature
seafood dishes include grilled, Cupra and Bronzino a
Mediterranean white fish lightly done and served whole and served in special
mushroom sauce.
The interior of the restaurant was designed by Miss. Lalezar and her three sisters,
and offers a decadent and plush feel reminiscent of a luxurious Turkish palace.
Guests can dine in the Red or the Gold Room. The interior is decorated with artifacts
that have Lale inscribed. The Iznik Lale plates and vases are unique and hand
painted specially
for Lalezar.
And Lalezar will continue to strive each and everyday sharing with family and
friends and valued customers, pausing to taste, smell and enjoy rather than refuel;
this is the foundation of traditional Turkish -Mediterranean culture and owners
of LALEZAR the BASARAN FAMILY.
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