The perfect antidote for Cincinnati's hot, sticky weather? These appetizers

It was hot outside and I was craving something that's ubiquitous at most Turkish and Mediterranean spots: an appetizer sampler of Middle Eastern specialties, served cold with flavors that would warm my palate.

At Truva Turkish Kitchen ? an elegant spot located in an unassuming strip mall in Sycamore Township ? those samples include six items: smoky baba ghanoush, creamy hummus, tangy labneh with crunchy walnut bits, eggplant in a garlicky tomato sauce and some of the best stuffed grape leaves I've ever tasted. There's also a spicy ezme ? a classic Turkish spread made with chopped tomatoes, hot peppers, onions and walnuts mixed in olive oil and herbs.

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The presentation is artful, each item separated by cucumber wedges (yes, you should eat those, too). It's served with Turkish bread baked in a wood-fired oven, and at $20.99, it can serve as a meal of its own, even for two people. I also added one additional item, perfectly cooked pinto beans with tender carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic served in a light tomato sauce. I recommend you to do the same.

Do I have other recommendations at Truva? Why yes, I do. Order the moussaka (a lasagna-like specialty of ground beef, eggplant, potatoes and peppers layered with bechamel sauce and piquant kashkaval cheese), the delicate whole-fish branzino (carved tableside), or even the cheese rolls (lightly fried phyllo dough stuffed with feta, mozzarella and parsley). All of them are excellent and all of them will give you an idea of just how good strip mall dining in the suburbs can be.

Truva Turkish Kitchen has two locations: 8060 Montgomery Road, Sycamore Township, 513-407-6965, and 5065 Deerfield Blvd., Mason, 513-486-1856, truvaturkishkitchen.com.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Head to the suburbs for some of the best appetizers in Cincinnati