585416 Mon Jan 05 17:52:37 -0800 2009 10 12 Greater Boston Area 0 4299061 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! Mon Jan 05 17:52:37 -0800 2009 69288 fragolino 1 4299095 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. Mon Jan 05 18:01:09 -0800 2009 4299061 13756 GretchenS 1 4299118 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. Mon Jan 05 18:08:45 -0800 2009 4299061 10169 StriperGuy 1 4299466 Balls!! Mon Jan 05 20:21:59 -0800 2009 4299061 10607 Luther 1 4299547 Rats! My favorite fava falafel, just fine Mom's kind of cooking all around. I didn't go often enough, obviously. Mon Jan 05 21:06:20 -0800 2009 4299061 10143 MC Slim JB 1 4299743 too bad... it really was good. Mon Jan 05 23:28:55 -0800 2009 4299061 254582 BostonCharles 1 4300001 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. Tue Jan 06 05:47:04 -0800 2009 4299061 14771 hiddenboston 1 4300262 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! Tue Jan 06 07:49:55 -0800 2009 4299061 58896 neongreenkitty 2 4300294 That's potentially great news. I hope they are able to do it. Tue Jan 06 07:58:21 -0800 2009 4300262 14771 hiddenboston 2 4300312 Way cool. Tue Jan 06 08:04:01 -0800 2009 4300262 10169 StriperGuy 2 4301139 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! Tue Jan 06 11:53:02 -0800 2009 4300262 48292 powella