http://www.chow.com/boards/19 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:38:27 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/586020#5164518 In the interest of getting the word out about Wafa's, I am posting here the same review I posted on Yelp a little over a week ago, when I first tried it: After reading about Wafa's on the web, my buddy and I tried it tonight. It is every bit as good as the hype. I eat Middle Eastern food as often as I can (and have traveled in the Middle East) and am always searching for the best, freshest, most authentic preparations I can find. Here's my quick take on some of what we tried at Wafa's: Hummus -- As creamy in texture as I've had anywhere, obviously homemade and extremely fresh and delicious. Chick peas are front and center, as they should be (but too often are not), supported and not overwhelmed by the other ingredients (a bit of olive oil, paprika, and lemon and garlic, though the latter are subtle). I agree with the other posts -- once you taste Wafa's hummus, you realize how vastly superior it is to even the better supermarket brands. My dining mate was shoveling it into his mouth without any restraint or dignity. Falafel -- Different from, but equal to, the best falafel I've had in the NY area, at Tanoreen in Bay Ridge. Tanoreen is Palestinian-style, larger balls, a bit crispier and fragrantly spiced. Wafa's falafel is still crisped on the outside but moister within and a bit sweeter and simpler than Tanoreen's ("simpler" is not a criticism -- it's utterly delicious). It is supple in the mouth and combines perfectly with the tahini and pickled veggies. I'll be going back for it often. Babaganoush -- Again, just superb. Many babas are over-smoked and actually need pita to cut their intensity a bit. Wafa's is perfectly balanced, rich without being too strong... I enjoyed it all by itself, no pita needed. Grape leaves -- Literally perfect. I have had grape leaves in restaurants in the Middle East and, on a few occasions, home-cooked. These were spot on, in taste and consistency. Actually, I would say outstanding consistency was a common feature of everything we ate. Each item felt intensely pleasing in the mouth, like skillfully home-cooked food served just when ready. This held true for the baklava, which is also as good as I've had anywhere. I rarely order baklava because I find it cloying, usually because it's drowning in honey. This baklava had honey only on the inside, where it blended with and brought out the nuttiness of the filling instead of overpowering it. And it veers in a delightful direction as rosewater and orange peel flavors emerge at the end of each bite. I have to admit, I'm a little embarrassed that my review is so over the top, but I cannot recommend this place highly enough. What a great addition to the local dining scene, and so cheap! ADDENDUM: I notice some complaints in this thread about the pitas, and it's true they're just ordinary, store-bought pitas. However, I think it's a little pretentious for people to claim that she needs to bake her own pitas or the food is ruined, etc. Tanoreen (of Bay Ridge), a highly acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant (and deservedly so), also serves plain white pitas (there are other bread options there, but the default pitas are the same as Wafa's). So do plenty of other places. I don't disagree that there is good pita to be found out there, and I enjoy it as the much as the next Middle Eastern food nut.... but frankly, the baba, hummus, et al. are so good at Wafa's, I don't even notice the pita. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:58:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/586020#5164518 http://www.chow.com/topics/639295#5164226 Husband and I ate there about a month ago, and everything was delicious. Had the Arizona sunset roll and some kind of scallop roll (can't remember the name) that was truly outstanding. We've been eating there for awhile, and haven't noticed any decline in quality, but I've never tried any of the dishes jjg described (except the edamame potstickers, which I've never loved). I'm with Harlan in wondering what others' recent experiences have been like. Did we get lucky? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:49:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/639295#5164226 http://www.chow.com/topics/564430#5164198 Naomi's was the first place I ever had falafel, so I have a soft spot for them, but I've never had better. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:36:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/564430#5164198 http://www.chow.com/topics/665299#5164190 Mi Arte Culinario closed faster than they opened. A few weeks ago. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:25:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665299#5164190 http://www.chow.com/topics/388653#5164174 Llapingacho is a round potatoe "tortilla" traditionally served with a peanut sauce, mote, fritada (that's the pig), avocado salad and a fried egg (or two). Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:15:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/388653#5164174 http://www.chow.com/topics/246434#5164127 Kabab is overrated, overpriced, and Ali hustles you with warm, plastic water when you ask him for a glass of water and then kisses up to you so you'll forget. Queens ain't manhattan. but there's great food, much better than ali's, all over the place Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:52:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/246434#5164127 http://www.chow.com/topics/447635#5164125 hyes, go to rose and joe's Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:50:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/447635#5164125 http://www.chow.com/topics/661533#5164116 Check out Roti Boti on 21st near Astoria Blvd in Astoria, Chow (or Chao) Thai in Elmhurst, Pho Bat (but never the yucky Pho Bac in the diner right next to it in the parking lot) in the shopping center on Bwy just past Elmhurst hospital, BZ Grill for great Greek meat on Astoria Blvd near 24th st., the awesomely hot szichuan place next to Flushing Violin, ahhh...the list goes on and is too good. Why are you moving to Brooklyn? Are you a yuppie or a skippie?? Ohmygod...chowhound's computers just kicked in and mapped Pho Bac, but not Pho Bat?!?! AGain: Pho Bac = yuck; Pho Bat = TASTE. What's going on? They wann stear you wrong!! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:46:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661533#5164116 http://www.chow.com/topics/585545#5164114 We just ate at Tortilleria Nixtamal for the first time and were thrilled to have the 50 cent tour. The owners are warm, friendly and very proud of their restaurant. It was a wonderful experience. Fernando explained the soaking and grinding process as we looked at the corn soaking in the holding tank downstairs. He told us that he has corn shipped in from Illinois because that particular farm sells the variety of corn he wants. The whole place smelled terrific since they just finished a new batch of tamales. We can't wait to go back. Oh yes, we walked over to Timmy O's Custard place in the cold night to have some delicious, creamy, 90% fat free custard ;). It was a treat to meet such happy, proud owners of some incredible eateries. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:45:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585545#5164114 http://www.chow.com/topics/663865#5164110 Try Corner 26 for simple, outdoors, old school Greek. Nothing fancy, kinda like Stamatis on 23rd but better, but not nasty like over in the center of Astoria and not overrated with bad service like the place across from the Beer Garden on corner of 31st where all the Manhattan people go. xxxx fish...darn, I'm getting old or else gotta stop burning every day...Philoxenia is probably the best of it, but it was better before it moved south and when it was up on 23rd Ave. too just a block or so from 26. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:42:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663865#5164110 http://www.chow.com/topics/565671#5164099 "Bad reviews are anti-schilling." Hmmm....I haven't heard that one before. I guess I'm out of it and to think, living right near Vesta I was all psyched, after spotting the nice decor and sitting down and being welcomed in a great way by owners/waitstaff, to write a great review here and let people here know what had come to Astoria. Well, the place has come somewhat close. But if the pizza margarita, the gnocchi, and the lasagna taste bland there's little use in Vesta fans pointing out that the place is (North) American, not Italian. Let me repeat "pizza, gnocchi, and lasagna." You categorize them nationally. I went back and ate again since my last review. My last review stands--But Dorothy, they ARE too bland, lacking just a yo no se que in the tastiness department. Howeer, again, wines and baby jesus cake rock. So, owners, if you are reading this, pls tweak our taste buds just a bit, listen to the earnest diner/tastebudman who says he told you the truth, and those who like a bit of rock n roll, low light, tasteful decor and nice tables and service but don't compare Queens restaurants to Manhattan hellholes but rather to their tasty outer borough peers will flock to you...happily Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:35:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/565671#5164099 http://www.chow.com/topics/244914#5164074 Yeah, I used to live in Chelsea and walk down to Corner Bistro for a burger (chumley's for a drink, usually not a burger however!!) but now living in Astoria I find that you're much better served with Greek, Italian, Thai, Indian food in the neighborhood than with burgers. But if you want to surpass Corner Bistro do go over to Roosevelt and check out Donovan's. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:18:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/244914#5164074 http://www.chow.com/topics/622990#5164070 I totally agree that sapori is overrated. Hovering waiters commenting on diners in Spanish, poorly cooked pasta (!) and attempts to pad the bill by getting you to drink a ton on top of only mediocre food mean that although I live close and hit nearby Northern Blvd. for staples shopping on a regular basis I will never go back. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:14:48 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/622990#5164070 http://www.chow.com/topics/244546#5164061 NYJewboy knows his stuff...Southern Spice rocks. Hard to get to without a car, however, as it's far from downtown Flushing 7 stop. Gotta bus it. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:11:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/244546#5164061 http://www.chow.com/topics/664099#5164046 only new? like for people who can afford soulless glass boxes only on the WRONG side of the river or do you mean a good, neighborhood restaurant? If you mean a good neighorhood restaurant Manetta's rocks, an old Italian staple that is nonetheless not at all limited to red sauce and is much better than the new places popping up. A nice meal for three can be had for $60, w/out drinks. Otherwise try Malagueta, the city's best Brazilian which is up a bit, near Ravenswood and the Astoria border and hence perhaps a bit far from the miracle mile down by the water... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:04:44 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664099#5164046 http://www.chow.com/topics/519924#5163969 I love the brunch at Vesta. The warm bankie is excellent (creamy polenta topped with two sunny-side-up eggs, asparagus, mushrooms and truffle oil) as is the hangover pizza. Other entrees look good. As long as you stay away from the booze, it's easily under $20. Service is very warm and friendly, but not speedy, so if you're crunched for time it may not work for you. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:17:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/519924#5163969 http://www.chow.com/topics/596015#5163967 Demigodh...where 'Caribbean Smoke' at? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:15:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/596015#5163967 http://www.chow.com/topics/665441#5163922 ale house - burgers and beer Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:44:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665441#5163922 http://www.chow.com/topics/633287#5163876 the lettuce wrap sounds like a really good idea...i never noticed that as an option. gotta love the nod t in n out i actually like this place a lot and appreciate the fact that they can cook a burger rare -- hey, you only live once :) -- and still have it come out with some flavor. it's a nice place and i hope they can make a go of it. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:21:01 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/633287#5163876 http://www.chow.com/topics/489804#5163867 I agree, Clement's isn't worth the trouble. I forgot to mention Fez Cafe. I like the food and in the summer sitting the garden is lovely. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:15:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/489804#5163867 http://www.chow.com/topics/659832#5163696 Amen about the Asian fusion... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:27:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659832#5163696 http://www.chow.com/topics/651329#5163693 I knew parking was going to be a major issue. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:27:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/651329#5163693 http://www.chow.com/topics/665435#5163630 Does anyone know if Angelo's Pizza is closed for good.?Are they renovating with the same owner or are they gone? It seems that all my favorites are gone. Mill Rver Inn, Bolo and now Angelo's..... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:54:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665435#5163630 http://www.chow.com/topics/664501#5163615 okay so we were over on 5th Ave today and decided to drop in here for some lunchtime slices. Definitely some excellent pizza--the crust is truly fantastic, crispy and thin and not a soggy bit in site. We had a couple of regular slices and then one slice of the special with mozzarella and the basil sauce. Is it mind-blowing pizza? Perhaps not, but that's fine, I am happy with some really quality pizza nearby. Also, I have to confess I have a head cold winding down so, with stuffed nose I really couldn't taste much, it was more about texture today :) Hubby did say the sauce was quite good and I'll have to take his word for the moment :( Too bad I think they are a bit too far from us for delivery. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:42:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664501#5163615 http://www.chow.com/topics/663928#5163372 Actually no, the Japanese resto I was referring to was in a forlorn strip mall adjacent to or behind the big mall...or behind another strip nearby. I'll be going in that direction to do some shopping soon, and I'll have a look to see if I can find it again. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:21:15 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663928#5163372 http://www.chow.com/topics/664935#5163299 Ayada it is!! Thank you!! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:27:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664935#5163299 http://www.chow.com/topics/664928#5163284 didn't eat there. I was alone and it was a bit out of my price range for just me. I went to Walters actually.... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:19:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664928#5163284 http://www.chow.com/topics/664763#5162912 Oh yeah! Defnitely open on Sunday, too (189th and Arthur). My favorite there is the cheese borek; take a slice or two home, heat it up in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes (do NOT microwave) - my favorite breakfast. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:16:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664763#5162912 http://www.chow.com/topics/663745#5162903 Thanks for posting, jinx. Sounds like your meal was enjoyable. I'm glad to hear they were mobbed. I hope they make it too! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:12:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663745#5162903 http://www.chow.com/topics/634318#5162724 Famous was incredible, especially with the choice of veggie and sweet rices, potatoes, bhindi, lots of choices for dirt-cheap lunches with all the trimmings. Where did their chef go? Sonali = A(Pepto)Bysmal. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:49:23 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/634318#5162724 http://www.chow.com/topics/663918#5162479 ici on dekalb is doing a thanksgiving menu and it looks really good. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:29:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663918#5162479 http://www.chow.com/topics/665204#5162024 Keep your res, for sure. iCi is great. I also quite like No. 7, as much for the ambiance as for anything else--thought the tempura broccoli is really amazing (and great for a veggie). Keep branching out! There's lots of good stuff in Ft Greene! Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:43:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665204#5162024 http://www.chow.com/topics/665274#5161904 Has anyone been to Melt recently. I heard they have a new chef. If so, is it still good? How has it changed? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:07:06 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665274#5161904 http://www.chow.com/topics/664696#5161730 We go to Chance fairly often--so can definitely be considered fans. They do a great job with fish, and their dim sum and appetizers are also very good. The more straight Chinese items tend to be a bit hit-or-miss (nothing bad, just some that we just don't enjoy as much as others). Definitely worth a try to see which menu items work best for you. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:10:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664696#5161730 http://www.chow.com/topics/665166#5161711 La Tavernetta Europa on Metropolitan in Forest Hills Queens has it, and it's pretty good. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:05:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665166#5161711 http://www.chow.com/topics/665163#5161062 yep my friends have been say the same, ive been to russo's for many a big party.thx Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:48:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665163#5161062 http://www.chow.com/topics/664623#5161034 I had the steak frites at Le P'Tit Paris Bistro the other night and it was very good. A great deal as well at $15. This is a great addition to the neighborhood. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:38:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664623#5161034 http://www.chow.com/topics/660217#5160757 we wetn down to Chavella's once - its a long way from our part of PH - We thought it was very good and fresh but nothing I would take that long walk for again. Its faster for us to drive to Sunset Park for more options. As a local choice its fine. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660217#5160757 http://www.chow.com/topics/665046#5159969 Despite my residence in Woodside, Peruvian/Irish as a bona fide cuisine is a new one to me. One would, of course, think of potatoes...but that probably just shows my lack of knowledge on the finer points of the respective cultures. What's the really interesting stuff? Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:36:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665046#5159969 http://www.chow.com/topics/664879#5159740 Here's some recent recs for good jerk and more:: http://www.chow.com/topics/536097 http://search.chow.com/search?query=Jerk+in+Brooklyn&search_board_id=19&search Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:33:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664879#5159740 http://www.chow.com/topics/664833#5159573 Cobblestone Foods has pretzel croissants - they're really good, but small. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:10:18 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664833#5159573 http://www.chow.com/topics/664907#5159304 I second this recommendation. I stumbled upon this place because I was getting my car serviced nearby, and I had a very tasty chorizo torta. There were a few other folks squeezed into the space in back, eating, so perhaps locals agree. I think future appointments at the garage will be good for checking out the rest of the menu. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:19:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664907#5159304 http://www.chow.com/topics/660390#5159227 yup that place exactly; the snack place on the second floor. take the right hand staircase as soon as you enter the main entrance of the flushing mall (across from ocean jewel) it's at the top of the stairs across from the fancy comb/brush place. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:55:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/660390#5159227 http://www.chow.com/topics/663389#5158568 I ordered takeout 2-3 weeks ago. The stuffed peppers were good, but the Chicken 65 and the Lamb Varuval were absolutely fantastic, flavorful, spicy. Plan on trying other things on the menu as well. Some photos of the menu courtesy of Eating in Translation's Dave Cook: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eatingintranslation/3582930767/sizes/l/in/set-72157618985180855/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/eatingintranslation/3583739192/sizes/l/in/set-72157618985180855/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:30:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663389#5158568 http://www.chow.com/topics/585453#5158469 We went to Hamji Bak near the LIRR Murray Hill Station on two different nights last week and they were closed! There wasn't an out of business sign up so I'm not sure what happened. They have the best kimchi jigae IMHO. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:02:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/585453#5158469 http://www.chow.com/topics/662063#5158096 went there last Monday night...and also wasn't all that impressed. I do like the space and i feel that the wait staff should of told us something about the place, menu, chef's idea of what he's trying to do. The portions are small, to go with the price....is it more of a small plates restaurant??...I wish I knew before I ordered .....also no bread on the tables, very bare. For the food, started with mixed olives, (no big deal, had better), the a serrano croquette, not good, oily and very small, we also had brussel sprouts, not spicy at all (like described)- but Asian with sesame seeds??....main course I had hanger (med-rare) cooked right, but small, (I rather pay more and give me a little more), and we also had the pork, tasty but portion size. We passed on dessert, I know they just opened, and will give it one more try, I just wish the menu itself was a bit larger to pick from. (I found it very limited)...I want to like it. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:09:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662063#5158096 http://www.chow.com/topics/461890#5158058 Our most recent visit last Friday night and I'm pleased to report that the kitchen at Grand Sichuan House continues to produce outstanding food. All the old favorites made an appearance - the chengdu dumplings, dan dan noodles, cumin beef and chicken with spicy capsicum. Oh yeah, I left out he green beans with minced pork. All were excellent. In previous posts on this thread there have been some concerns about the the level of business they've been doing. Over the past 6 month things seem to have turned around. On the night we were there it was about 80% full with a number of tables occupied by large groups. The phone kept ringing for take out orders as well. You know what puzzles me? I can't figure out why there are any empty tables at all. In it's own way this place is as good as Al Di La. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:58:27 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/461890#5158058 http://www.chow.com/topics/663836#5157985 I agree that it is not a destination, but a great neighbourhood addition. Nice crowd too. The BBQ, pulled pork etc is fine but not amazing. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/663836#5157985 http://www.chow.com/topics/247374#5157766 just wanted to update everyone! the sanford diner was renovated probably in 2007 and has become slightly different then what it was. After hearing a few good reviews i attempted to revisit after many years. The decor was very nice although i felt like i was in a sushi joint. My friend ordered the pulled pork sandwich and i had a burger. we also ordered fries (gross and very oily similar to BK) and a salad to share. the salad was good. the pulled pork had a very bad pig smell to it and lacked taste. The burger with swiss was very very good, (but for the price it better had been good). Also after leaving i felt like i just ate chinese food, you know that horrible MSG feeling. Maybe they use that for taste?? who knows. overall i felt for the food we had it was on the expensive side. i think you probably pay for the renovation which was well done but japanese themed (i felt) . i dont think i'll revisit. maybe for the breakfast?? not sure Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:12:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/247374#5157766