What we really like about Elad Barmatz’s new Middle Eastern restaurant, Easta la Vista (besides its Arnold Schwarzenegger catchphrase-inspired name), is that it’s nearly impossible to leave hungry. Diners choose one main entrée from an ever-changing list of kosher Middle Eastern specialties—falafel, stuffed peppers, shawarma—and then stroll along a buffet to select from a smorgasbord of house-made sides and salads. The only rule when it comes to portions on the plate is, “If it fits, it goes,” says Barmatz, an Israeli emigrant, whose father, Eyal, does the cooking. “The Middle East is known for hospitality, so the food you get on your platter is like your mom made it for you—and your mom doesn’t have portion control,” he notes. “I want to prove a point that you can cook fresh food and it can be affordable.” With most entrees hovering just over $12, mom would approve of that, too. 1330 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, 410-484-1174
