506854 Sun Apr 06 22:32:43 -0700 2008 3 18 Manhattan 0 3568494 stopped by near closing time and chatted with the very nice guy (owner?) behind the counter. I was drawn in by its maoz-like interior and coloring, and the big sign SALAD BAR. turns out is $8.50 for a large container or plate upon which you can make one round at the salad bar (not unlimited trips), or, $4.50 for a small container, which I got. to be honest, the selections didn't look the amazing, but I wanted to keep it simple so I filled up my container to the max w/ a ton of roast cauliflower, homemade pickle slices, cabbage slaw, roast zucchini. I also bought a pack of 5 pitas ($3) and two contains of the hot sauce, one green (spicier and fresher) and one red (rich smoked flavor of chilis). the place reminded me of bonobo on 23rd street near madison park or also like the old quantum leap on 19th or 20th around chelsea and the salad bar offerings were way lighter and simpler than the richer and more pungent offerings at olympica or maoz but in that respect, seemingly healthier. the pita were heavenly thick hollow pillows and the hot sauces both very different. the veg were very plain, but tasted virtuous. open late and definitely worth additional visits, in particular as an antidote to the usual meat orgy at nearby bereket although ashkara also has grilled meats, falafel and belgian frites. Sun Apr 06 22:32:43 -0700 2008 12656 bigjeff 1 3574797 holy crap. the sauces are both so good. well worth it just to order something and slather either (or both) of the hot sauces on whatever you get. the red is intensely smoky, with low to medium heat, the green is spicier, fresher. really good (eating some leftovers w/ the sauce right now). Tue Apr 08 15:52:08 -0700 2008 3568494 12656 bigjeff 2 3575509 Hmmm...I read a recommendation from someone here some time ago and went for a falafel sandwich. I was totally underwhelmed and thought that Mamouns - not my favorite by any means - was better. It just did nothing for me. Tue Apr 08 19:45:15 -0700 2008 3574797 17058 Pan 3 3575715 ya I didn't have anything beyond the salad bar and the sauces but those sauces, dang! Tue Apr 08 21:03:19 -0700 2008 3575509 12656 bigjeff