Falafel Nazi / Christos Falafel

[deltguy]

Any idea where this guy is at? I've stopped by periodically over the past few weeks and he seems as though he's disappeared. Any ideas?

[deltguy]

The cart is back. Apparently he needed time off to find 'quality' ingredients...

[PhillyHorn]

Where is this guy's cart? I have always wanted to try it, but it wasn't convenient until I started working downtown recently...

[Bigley9]

20th and Market

[deltguy]

Guy is definitely MIA. I've been by every week for the past 4 weeks and nothing. Bad Christos!

[Tir_na_nOg]

Why is he a falafal Nazi?

[PattiCakes]

Think of the Soup Nazi, from the Seinfeld. Christos is a character, with a distinct set of rules for people ordering from his cart. It's his schtick. If you are hesitant to try for fear of not playing the game correctly, go when there is a line outside his cart & chat up the regulars.

sockii: I do not think his food is garlicy at all.

I just looked out the window, and as of today, Christos is not there.

[Seeker19104]

Not worth being insulted to get a meal. Yes, I did inquire what something would cost before ordering and got an earful. Why start lunch with dyspepsia?

The Middle Eastern stand in the food court at Penn (34th & Walnut) has better falafel served with respect. The prices are clearly posted.

[Ali]

He seems to come and go as he pleases. He disappeared for all of March, so I wouldn't think that this is a permanent disappearance (at least, not quite yet). Maybe he had to go get garlic? He does seem rather insistent on the garlic he uses, and he does use more than his fair share of it. :)

[sockii]

Is it all very garlicky? I've been wanting to try his stuff for ages but I am highly intolerant of raw/undercooked garlic and as a result have to be careful with a lot of Middle Eastern food. I'll take this as a warning not to try the Falafel Nazi as a result unless otherwise advised.

[Ali]

I find his food exceptionally garlicky, but my tastebuds seem to focus in on that flavour. Now, it's not overwhelming quite yet, but it certainly straddles the line. Maybe just try the falafels. It's the condiments, all of which are super fresh and very exceptional, that really add the garlic.

Honestly, though, chat him up. He's more than little passionate about his food, but he's a nice enough guy who'll probably be willing to help you out if you explain (and especially emphasize that you've been wanting to try his stuff for ages). A little flattery goes a very long way sometimes. (But then, I've also been known to say that Sonny D'Angelo is a really nice guy, too, and people think he's downright surly, so take my word as you will.)

[barryg]

You can't just order the falafel. This will get him into a nonsensical tirade.

[Ali]

Actually ... you can. But it's not official, and if he's not in the mood to do it ... may the gods have mercy on your soul. Of course, you can't just walk up and order only the falefel. That much is indeed true - he will go into a nonsensical tirade. However, it can be done. Unfortunately, there's no true formula for getting it done (nor is there a formula for what he feels like charging you). Oh the joys of the falafel nazi ...

[sockii]

Thanks for the tips. Usually it is sauces, dips and condiments my digestive track has trouble with due to prevalent use of (sneaky) raw garlic in them.

If I explain I'm borderline allergic, perhaps he can at least just do me up a plate of whatever won't make me ill :) I do love good falafel...