Reef Cafe: RIP

[fragolino]

It is with deep sadness that I report the closing of the Reef Cafe in Allston. I saw the note posted on the door today as I walked by which said a new Japanese place would be moving in.

I can remember back to when I'd eat there. I'd place my order with Salaam, he'd call it down to mama who would create some truly delicious food. Back then, I used to go several times a week. The family was so welcoming and generous, that it was hard not to love the place between the great food and atmosphere. Once they became well known though, I don't think they could keep up with the volume and they resorted to pre-cooking and freezing main dishes.
I'd go back for the odd falafel or shawarma sandwich but it wasn't the same.

I'm sad to see them go and I hope other stars of the neighborhood don't go down this path.
Incidentally, I was on my way to Gitlo's when I spotted the note. I was afraid he'd head down the same path after that Globe article, but I'm happy to say that the place is back to what it started out as - great made-to-order dim sum. Let's hope it stays that way!

[neongreenkitty]

We were there the day after Christmas and Salaam told us that he'd be closing soon. He said he was looking for a place in Cambridge. He wants to have a nicer sit-down kind of place. We expressed concern about how to find him when he reopens but he said we would know!

[hiddenboston]

That's potentially great news. I hope they are able to do it.

[StriperGuy]

Way cool.

[powella]

Thanks neongreenkitty, for preventing my tears from falling. I think I can hold it together now that you've posted this hopeful message. Every time I ate the stuffed cabbage there I had that dreaded thought: "Will this be the last time?" I hope they can find a good location soon.

We walked by January 2nd and saw the place was closed, no note. I deluded myself into thinking maybe Salaam and family had FINALLY taken a much deserved vacation. RIP, Reef!

[powella]

Ok, hounds- just had to resurrect this old thread in the hopes that someone, somewhere might know something about Salaam and family's plans. Any word? Please, oh please?

[StriperGuy]

I have actually had my eye out, but sadly, no sign of Reef Cafe II.

[lipoff]

I really hope they come back --- the Reef Cafe was one of my favorite places. Oh that pumpkin kibbe!

It may be a small consolation, but Garlic 'n Lemons, which is nearby the old Reef Cafe spot, is a really terrific Middle Eastern restaurant with a similar price point to the Reef Cafe.

-----
Garlic 'n Lemons
133 Harvard Ave, Boston, MA 02134

[hiddenboston]

Yeah, the closing of Reef Cafe was very recent (I'm pretty sure they were open as of last week). I was going to write about its closing yesterday on my blog but had about 10 million other things I had to do, so I never got around to it. I'll miss the people there--they were so friendly--and I will definitely miss that amazing falafel sandwich with the pickles inside; as I've said before, it was perhaps one of my top 10 favorite food items in any Boston restaurant.

[BostonCharles]

too bad... it really was good.

[MC Slim JB]

Rats! My favorite fava falafel, just fine Mom's kind of cooking all around. I didn't go often enough, obviously.

[Luther]

Balls!!

[StriperGuy]

That is sad. I loved the place, but even as I did, it never really hit it's stride and was able to be the well-oiled-machine that any restaurant must become. RIP Reef Cafe.

[GretchenS]

This is so sad I can't stand it. My friends and I always argue who has the best falafel and Reef Cafe is (was -- *sigh*) always one of the contenders. And Salaam is so incredibly nice.