TERRY’S PICKY PALATE / A Lobster Benedict (and more!) at Oasis on White Street

BY TERRY SCHMIDA

Al Maidah is no more . . . Long live Oasis!

Though Al Maidah, which billed itself as “The Table Filled With Food” has changed its name to “Oasis,” this delightful eatery, located at 1019 White St., retains its extensive and diverse menu, and well-deserved reputation for its generous portions and authentic Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Central Asian, Italian, and even Cuban fare.

While many remain fans of the restaurant’s huge sandwiches and oversized lamb, beef, and chicken kebab-type entrees some diner may be unaware that on Saturdays and Sundays Oasis also offers a delicious brunch menu in its dining room, or on the charming garden patio.

On the morning of my visit owner Atajan Allaberdiyev decided to let me sample the restaurant’s Lobster Benedict, a tasty take on the classic dish, with fresh avocado, real Florida lobster tail, a rich and tangy from-scratch Hollandaise sauce, and two poached eggs on English muffins, topped with a little dill.

On the side were some perfectly-cooked and crunchy home fries, also seasoned with dill.

The whole plate went well with the tall, cool glass of orange juice, designed to make my day, and I rose to leave, satisfied, with a smile on my face.

But then . . . in keeping with the “Table Filled With Food” theme Allaberdiyev sent out a few other items that turned my breakfast into a brunch.

They included a Lamb Somsa, an Uzbek-baked pastry filled with minced lamb and onions, and a Spinach Somsa, filled with spinach and feta cheese. My dining companion and I both agreed they were sumptuous.

Next up was a sampler platter, not on the menu, with some of Oasis’ delicious signature medium-rare lamb, right off the kebab, served with a Tzatziki sauce, a Mediterranean-style vegetable medley, rice pilaf with sliced almonds, and even some seasoned mashed potatoes.

All were wonderful, and as we were leaving, my companion coined a new nickname for me: “The reviewer filled with Oasis food!”