Chefs and owners Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi share their unique culinary perspectives at Shalom Japan, a restaurant collaboration that highlights their individual cultures, diverse cooking backgrounds, and passions for food.
The menu is a playful and seasonal approach to New American cuisine, highlighting the chefs’ connections to their respective Jewish and Japanese roots, and taking advantage of the great resources New York City has to offer, such as the wonderful produce at its greenmarkets and the wide range of specialty products available from the city’s diverse population. Plates and meals are designed to be shared among diners in a casual and refined atmosphere, complemented by a beverage program designed by general manager Thierry Morpurgo that includes beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks.
The restaurant is conveniently located just three blocks off the Williamsburg Bridge, a short walk from the J, M, Z, G, and L lines, and across from the Rodney Park Playground in the eclectically vibrant neighborhood of South Williamsburg. Come join us and let us take care of you.
אין חוויה ישראלית יותר מלשבת במסעדת "12 כסאות" המעולה ולאכול ג'חנון, פלאפל, מג'דרה או קוסקוס ביום שבת בבוקר עם חברים. בדרך כלל זמן ההמתנה ארוך, אבל ככה זם עם מסעדות טובות, אבל ההמתנה בהחלט משתלמת. מומלץ !
“Blame it on love. And his mother.”
When most of the tots his age were making messes in the sandbox, pastry genius Ron Ben-Israel preferred to observe his Viennese mother’s culinary magic as she whipped egg whites into frothy meringue or transformed flaky crust into ethereal apple strudel. “I was enchanted,” he gushes. “Watching a fruit reduction become a gelée was fascinating. But I certainly wouldn’t have guessed that the art and science of baking would become my life’s passion.”
Passion, indeed. Ron is fervent when he talks about baking and creating his extraordinary confections. His dedication to his art is both reverent and joyful at once: Each time he fashions a cake—and he’s designed thousands of stunning, one-of-a-kind gateaux in his career—he’s as thrilled as he would be if it were his first masterpiece. As Ron cheerily observes, “Each cake is like a performance—my team and I feel like we are attending countless opening nights every weekend.”
Ron certainly knows about opening nights: A former dancer, he fell in love with a chocolate-maker while on tour in Canada, and with typical resolve, he traded in his ballet slippers for a whisk and a spatula. Fortunately, the discipline he had acquired during years of scrupulous training and a rigorous performance schedule—and during his military service in the Israeli army—helped him as he pursued his new vocation. Like many aspiring chefs, he traveled to France and apprenticed in Cannes, Beaujolais, and Lyons.
Ultimately, New York provided Ron with the most exhilarating and challenging stage for his culinary visions. His artistry has become legendary and he has truly become America’s cake maestro, the wizard and darling of the industry. “I had originally gone to fine art school to study set design, but then dance took over. And now it’s fondant and cake. I am so pleased that the kitchen and I found each other. I’m where I was meant to be.”
And so today, the master confectioner choreographs in sugar. His specialty and wedding creations are consistently featured in national periodicals, including Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides Magazine and New York Magazine and are also prominently highlighted in books, such as Vera Wang on Weddings. Curtain up!”
על המקום:
So I'm touring the LES with my wife and friends when someone says, "Let's get some waters so we don't die today." We look across the street, and as if out a vision, the Holyland Market appears. Fortune had smiled upon us, as only on my birthday would I enter my first Jewish bodega.
As luck would have it, the entire bodega was out of water! But never fear, as they had something even better. Giant challahs.
I'm used to secret bodega gems like Zaragoza, where you can unexpectedly find tacos. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect a bodega of my people.
As we walked around the LES sharing bread, dipped in the bowl of chocolate that my sister-in-law randomly had, I felt like a big birthday mensch.
Standouts include the hummus (best and creamiest on earth), the borekas (homemade flakiness), the babka (chocolate or cinnamon, both dense circles of breakfast joy), the packaged snacks (junk food, but unique junk food), the candy near the register, and that Nutella-esque chocolate spread. They also carry pita from Pita Express, which is a beautiful, beautiful thing.
Also, Hebrew-language women's magazines, which will explain how to lose all the weight you've gained by shopping here.
Best. Pita. Ever. The super fluffy thick kind. And all the Elite chocolate you could possibly want! I ended up getting chocolates, zaatar, pita and other things that I have to request from my parents when they go to Israel. Now I can just hop on the F, go to St. Marks Place and by all that stuff that I crave. Will definitely make the trek back!
ChikChak Food Truck takes authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and brings it right into your neighborhood. We’ve got the same Kosher menu you’ve come to love, but with double – no, triple – the convenience.
We’ve scouted some of the best locations in the city to set up shop, and you can track our progress online through your smartphone, computer, or other device. But it gets even easier to dig in: ChikChak Food Truck offers catering for events of any size. You’ll never be without your falafel fix again.
Follow along on social media as we post location updates, action shots, and tales from the mean streets of Boston. We’re on a noble mission to spread ChikChak across the city – won’t you join us?
I was hesitant to try Rami's because of the other Yelp reviews, but my brother and I gave them a shot today.
Let me just say, the kebabs and falafel are mind blowing. So, so, so good! It's as good as any falafel that we've had in Israel, if not better. The kebabs are moist and flavorful.
We ordered Rami's special, so we got a sampling of falafel, kebabs, shawarma, humus, pita and Israeli salad. The pita was hot and fresh, the humus was delicious and the shawarma was well seasoned. We also tried the Moroccan cigars which had a crisp exterior and moist, spicy beef filling. I could probably eat those three times a day. The salad provided a nice cool balance to the mix.
After ordering and eating our meal, we went back to try the baklava and were not disappointed!
The line was long, which should be expected with a good food truck. It seemed pretty clear that everybody knew where to find the best food. The wait after ordering was average. If you're planning to just pop over and grab something quick to go, it's not going to work out for you. It was probably about 20 min. from the time we got in line to when we had our food handed to us.
The prices were reasonable. This isn't McDonalds, it's authentic Israeli cuisine. Expect to pay a little more, but expect to get your money's worth. Anybody who's eaten at a kosher restaurant knows that Rami's pricing is very reasonable.
If you go to the Powder House Square location, there's plenty of space to lay out a picnic blanket or sit on park benches.
Overall it was a great food experience. If we're ever in Boston again, I know that we'll be visiting Rami's.
Enjoyed a variety of items from this food truck at the SoWa Food Truck Court. Shawarma in a pita, Moroccan cigars, and falafel balls with hummus. All were delicious and well made. Reminded me of the cuisine from my recent trip to Israel. Everyone should definitely try and track down this food truck wherever it may be in greater Boston!
Grill 212 offers delicious dining, carryout and delivery to New York, NY
Grill 212 is a cornerstone in the New York community and has been recognized for its outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff.
Our Mediterranean restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.
ביקורת:
This is a non-pretentious, very authentic, very teensy Mediterranean joint tucked semi-underground. The portions are enormous; you can definitely split an entree and both end up quite stuffed! This is doubly true if you go for the salad bar, which is magnificent – especially the eggplant dishes. Yum. It would be nice if the food had a bit more salt/herbs/spices, but if you're ordering for home use you can just drown it in your favorite hot sauce. It's supremely affordable.
very low key and delicious. Ive spent some time with yemenite folk and the chicken soup with koubanah bread and hilbeh at Grill 212 is like sitting down with them. Generous salad bar, great laffa, nice staff, moderate price….how could you go wrong?
Incredibly fresh food. Excellent shakshukah. Tiny, tiny dining area. Friendly service. Hummas is delicious and homemade. Baby chicken was succulent. Will certainly return. Great place to take out, as well. But you cannot beat the sizzling freshness of dining in.
In February of 2004, partners Danny and Ayala Hodak and Gadi and Sheila Ruham open the doors of Taboon Restaurant on a quiet corner in Hell's Kitchen where the star of the show is the blazing white domed oven that has been serving up its original wood fired "Middleterranean" cuisine ever since.
Inspired by the vibrant spices and flavors of the Middleast and the Mediterranean, with fresh hand made food from an ancient oven, bold and articulated flavors, and a driving passion for food and love for hospitality, Taboon quickly earned a loyal following and a well respected place in New York's culinary landscape.
בקורת:
Yes, the bread is delicious! The dips were fine. We went for brunch. We tried 3 different kinds of shakshuka. They were good, but not amazing. I actually liked the khassa salad best. It had pickled radishes, beets, feta, pomegranate seeds, greens and more.
Food is terrific. Service, by nice people, was very slow. I had read the reviews before going the first time (tonight) and the only knock on the restaurant was that on a cold night it would be best not to sit in the front room. That's where our reserved table was and when I protested got a real "attitude" from the large lady at the "front desk". I did an imitation of Donald Trump and we were very quickly showed to another table. She commented that I was being "feisty". Now why on earth was that necessary?
בקורת:
I have been to several restaurants that serves hummus and this is by far my favorite place in town for it.
Hommus: chick pea puree, tahini, lemon, olive oil. I believe their hommus is made to order, because it's served at room temperature. It's just more pleasant to eat than cold ones. It's also drenched in good olive oil.
Warm Eggplant: tomato, scallions, tamarind molasses. It's more interesting than the baba ghannouj because the eggplants are warm and the molasses makes it a sweet dish.
Phoenician Fries: sumac, parsley, garlic whip. I really like these fries with the aioli! They came out piping hot.
Whenever I want some fresh made hommus, I like to come to this place. I don't need the bread, I simply like to order 3 plates of mezza and eat them by the spoon.
Definitely coming back here for brunch! I trekked through the winter storm Jonas to eat with a friend who was visiting– despite the horrible weather conditions, the waitstaff were incredibly polite and courteous.
The brunch prix fixe menu lets you have two drinks, a main dish, and a side. For $28 in NYC, I think this has one of the better brunch values. The lamb burger is definitely amazing- the melted feta and pickles take the cake.
I'm a huge fan of the roasted beet side dish- the Aleppo honey butter just made it perfect. The sausages were a tad too salty, but they give you a basket of pita, so you can dip it in the grease and use it to balance the saltiness of the meats.
My first restaurant week menu coming into the new year. Picked Ilili because I do not have to worry about eating unhealthily even if I go wild during the night (cannot go too wild anyway given the limited amount of RW course set up).
At Ilili, you first choose from two appetizers (as opposed to one), followed by a main dish, and eventually the dessert. My friend and I were basically sharing everything – hummus, garlic eggplant, falafel and the marinated chicken liver. Like the eggplant the most as it was refreshing; chicken liver was a bit disappointing…Both the chicken and lamb chop were fantastic, juicy! I opted for the vanilla panna cotta for dessert. Thanks to the sour raspberry on top, it was not too sweet.
Service was for sure a minus point here – cannot blame them as we all sort of understand how RW could mess up the whole thing. My suggestion would be to visit Ilili during a normal hour and see how well it goes. Took away one star here and look forward to adding it back.
Our cozy little coffee shop offers a variety of gourmet desserts and beverages. Founded in 2004, Effy’s Cafe is the best kept secret on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Come and enjoy the unique homemade flavors combined with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
ABOUT US
NISH NUSH (Hebrew for snack) offers the opportunity to custom-blend your hummus with a variety of options.
Our hummus & Falafel are made FRESH daily with the best-quality ingredients. Our Falafel is GLUTEN FREE and made-to-order for the best flavor and freshness.
The chickpeas and tahini we use are top of the line and a good source of vegetarian protein and calcium.
על המסעדה:
This is a quick, yummy place to stop and grab a bite while shopping and/or working in the area.
I had the "Red Hot Chili" (whole wheat pita with falafel, spicy hummus, Israeli salad and pickles). It was DELISH!! Everything was served perfectly – not too sloppy or stuffed in or pieces falling out as you bite into it.
I also sampled the Cajun fries – now, as a person who LOVES spicy food, this was cute. If a dish doesn't have scotch bonnet peppers infused then it isn't hot at all in my opinion but for those of you who rarely eat spicy food, this maybe spark the palette a bit.
Beer always goes great but I also had the homemade mint iced tea – very refreshing. Everything came up to $23 (spicy pita, Cajun fries, blue moon beer and iced tea). That's a bit pricy but I guess that's the going rate for the area.
Nestled among the faux bistros and precious bars of Nolita, Hoomoos Asli is a welcome, no-fuss spot offering quick and cheap Israeli cuisine. Ceiling fans whirl above small wooden tables and cheesy '90s trance music plays over the speakers. Lunch draws a large international crowd of 20-somethings and NYU students, who come to feast on falafel, which arrive tucked in homemade, ridiculously fluffy pitas overflowing with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. Dinner boasts an equally laid-back scene as couples enjoy entrees like schnitzel, pan-fried chicken covered in breadcrumbs and spices, and the Jerusalem mixed grill, a succulent combination of lamb, chicken and beef served with caramelized onions over rice. Lingering over cups of Turkish coffee and talking politics is encouraged. And although Hoomoos Asli doesn't serve liquor, the bring-your-own-wine-and-beer policy adds to this hole-in-the-wall's casual charm. — Dakota Smith
Recommended Dishes
Babaganoush, $5.17; Jerusalem mix grill sandwich, $11.16
Rami & Mirav Cohen Owners
Rami and Mirav Cohen moved to Boston from Jerusalem to start a new life. Soon after arriving, they missed the taste of home as there was no authentic falafel available in the Boston area. Rami, being a third generation “Falafel-teer” realized that if he wanted a real Falafel he would have to make it himself, so he opened Rami’s in May of 1991 with his wife, Mirav. Being old-fashioned and traditional, Rami has kept his restaurant consistently producing the freshest food around, as everything is home-made on a daily basis.
Haim Cohen Manager
The son of Rami and Mirav, Haim is a fourth generation “Falafel-teer.” Haim has been managing Rami’s since 2004. He enjoys keeping consistent with the old school traditions that have made the establishment famous for over twenty years. Keeping up with the current demands of consumers, Haim has added corporate catering, online ordering, (links?) and new menu items. Haim speaks Hebrew & English.
Outside of the massive population centers which can support a wealth of highly-targeted ethnic eateries, the best kosher restaurants are the ones which transcend or outright obscure their religious peculiarities and sell themselves to the general public simply as quality eateries.
Tiny Rami's has mastered this dance and stood the test of time, seeing neighboring kosher eateries come and go, and surviving despite constant threat from nearby non-kosher shawarma "kings" and other, lesser vassals of falafeldom.
During a busy lunch hour, they run the cramped shop with exacting precision. ("We're here to work; we're not here to play!" I once overheard being said to a dawdling customer, to my impatient delight.) At calmer moments, they're happy to offer tastes and shoot the breeze.
Their shawarma is expertly cooked so the meat chunks remain juicy but slightly crisp at the edges, stuffed into the softest pita this side of Jerusalem, covered with freshly chopped veggies, and slathered with sauces — ranging from hot, green s'chug, to smooth, garlicky hummus, to sesame-laden techina, to the mysteriously spicy orange amba.
Kosher or not, you'll find that the thrill of delicious shawarma grease dripping down your arm as you try to tame your burgeoning sandwich is a spiritual experience.
All in the crunch of the falafel, creamy and incomparable hummus, and pillowy pita bread. Coolidge Corner's Rami's serves just this including other Middle Eastern staples like baba ghanoush (eggplant spread), kabob, and shawarma.
Falafel is smaller than some and usually made to order. Warm and fresh. The hummus and baba ghanoush, with a light pour of olive oil, are the perfect compliments to these hearty and crisp delights. Get a little hot sauce to dollop and mix.
Menus are subject to change. (V) Vegan | (GF) Gluten Free | * Can be V and/or GF
SMALL ZI’S
*Aunt Trippo’s Falafel 8
pickled cabbage, curry yogurt, charred onion, tomato salsa (GF)
Grilled Beets 7
feta, date honey, scallions (GF)
Black Cumin Cauliflower 8
cauliflower on tahini topped with tomato salsa and black cumin seeds (V/GF)
Grilled Veggies 7
grilled seasonal veggies, sumac, smoked paprika aioli (GF)
Crazy Baba 7
charred eggplant, feta and basil with grilled pita bread
Shishito Peppers 8
Spanish-style black eyed beans salad, smoked paprika aioli (GF)
Hummus 6
Any 3 Small Zi’s 20
Soup of the Day 7
SALATIM
Charred Beet & Lentil 13
finely chopped root veggies, raw tahini, date honey (GF/V)
*Fattoush 14
fresh and roasted veggies, feta, za’atar, pita croutons
*Grilled Artichoke & Cauliflower 12
cherry tomato, garlic confit, Greek yogurt or tahini (GF)
Labane Za’atar 13
labane cheese za’atar and fresh summer veggies (GF)
Mediterranean Ceviche 16
CLASSIC ZI’S
Zizi Hummus 15
grilled seasonal veggies, chickpeas
Hummus Masabacha 13
warm ground chickpeas, grilled tomato, tahini, preserved lemon, harissa (GF/V)
Shakshuka 14
two poached eggs, ‘matbucha’ sauce , chickpeas, harissa (GF)
Cowshuka 22
grilled skirt steak, poached eggs, ‘matbucha’ sauce , sautéed spinach, chickpeas, harissa (GF)
Shawarma 16
chicken, bits of lamb, charred onion and chickpeas served on hummus (GF)
BIG ZI’S
Lamb Kebab 17
black babaganoush, grilled onion, tomato salsa, served in a pita
The Fish 24
beets purée, Greek yogurt, grilled veggies salad
Chicken Tagine 19
bone-in, couscous, butternut squash, chestnut, apricot, ras el hanut, cranberries, and black garlic spread
Ribs de Berber 23
5 hours braised short ribs, risotto-style freekeh, assorted wild mushrooms
Grilled Wild Salmon 22
chickpea stew, grilled artichokes, kalamata, spinach, tomato salsa, yogurt (GF)
על המקום:
This place is fantastic. The best food and the best value for money in Greenpoint. The shwarmas were extraordinarily delicious. The food is great quality and the deserts are amazing. Best rice pudding that tastes of pistachio and rosewater. Best baklava ever. And the food comes fast. Also, I was in the restaurant one day too, and the staff were very warm and friendly. Eat in or take out – you won't be sorry.
Really good! And pretty fast. Everything was very tasty and fresh, and the portion sizes were huge: we ordered a mixed vegetarian starter platter (which also comes with falafel as a surprise!), a falafel plate, and a chicken shawarma plate, and there was enough food for 4 meals. And we're BIG eaters. Everything came with loads of fresh pickles, salads, and side additions, and they sent PLENTY of sauces: Very happy, will definitely order from here again.
זמני פתיחה:
Delivery Hours
Mon
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Tue
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Wed
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Thu
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Fri
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sat
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sun
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Pickup Hours
Mon
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Tue
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Wed
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Thu
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Fri
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sat
6:45PM – 4:30AM
Sun
6:45PM – 4:30AM
בקורת:
It is not often they can make a fillet mignon skewer cooked to a perfect medium rare. It was juicy, tasted fresh and everything on the plate tasted great. We did the lunch special, 2 apps, one entree for $27. It was worth it, they give you a lot of food! Delicious food, really classy ambiance and service was great. I am definitely coming back to try more things on the menu!
Many people do not get middle eastern correct. It's either too much quantity but not enough flavor or good flavor but not enough quantity, This place got it down! Left a happy man!
I came here on a Sunday and it was very quiet, so the dishes came out quickly.
Hummus with Cauliflower: it's delicious with the fried cauliflower. I like the creamy hummus mixed with the crunchy cauliflower.
Moutabbal Almayass: mashed beetroot, fresh lemon, sesame paste, garlic. It's very citrusy, the lemon juice seems to overpower the sweetness of the beetroot.
Spicy Potatoes: fried potato cubes, fresh garlic, cilantro. The potatoes had a nice flavor from the fried garlic.
Garlic Paste: it's has the texture of a buttery garlic puree. It's quite sour, like it has a lot of lemon juice in it.
I enjoyed the hummus and the potatoes contrasting to the tangy flavors of the moutabbal and the garlic paste. The dining room is beautiful, it has a classic decor and ambiance.
Pardon my ignorance, but the name sounds like where I end up after slipping on black ice. Arrived at this Lebanese spot to pick up their excellent Moutabbal Almayass $10.00 (Mashed beetroot, fresh lemon, sesame paste, garlic.) with just enough pita for the dip. Shame they didn't think the bright pink beet spread warranted napkins.
This is probably going to be one of my favorite Lebanese restaurants in the city. I came here tonight (Friday night) and we had a reservation. It wasn't too busy but there were a good amount of people in the restaurant. It is a pretty high class fancy place. Dishes range from $24-$40 and the appetizers go from $6-20.
We had the hummus amalayass which was delicious. They gave us pita bread both soft and hard and it was an amazing mix with the hummus.
For the entree, we had the chicken toufta, sweet and sour, and the filet mignon cubed.
The chicken toufta was great, the sweet and sour had I believe cranberries or raisin of some sort that blended in very well with the meat. I have got to say my favorite was the filet mignon. There was a spicy kick to it.
The owner of the restaurant came to us at the end and asked us how we thought the meal was. I liked that he came to us because it showed that our input is valuable to him. Everything there was amazing and I would definitely come back again.
Welcome to Grill Point NY – A Glatt Kosher Grill restaurant, where the heavenly taste of Mediterranean food and the Israeli touch are combine to a mouth watering experience.
Grill Point NY is an establishment since 2003. It is well known for the one of a kind taste of Lamb & Turkey shuwarma, Baby chicken shuwarma shish kebobs, Kofta kebobs and so much more. All our product are 100% certified by Vadd Harabamim of Queens. We use the best quality of meats and vegetables, daily fresh cooked! We offer variety of salads and may kinds of dishes. Our grill cooking is made in an Israel style and taste like no other grill in NY.
Grill Point also offer catering services for all occasions and events such as Holidays, private parties, Shabbes Dinner, etc.
Check our catering menu and place our order now.
Contact us and let us know about the next event you are planning. we promise you a success and a food to rave about among your family and friends.
Click here to read review which our customers posted.
We take pride in our great food and our great service.
גלאט כשר בית יוסף בישול ישראל.
Came back to Grill Point after a year with an unstoppable craving for shawarma. I forgot what was better by this point, the baby chicken or lamb. Lamb. I copped out on a chicken shawarmizzle and my girlfriend got a lamb. After chowing down our food and trying each others, I came to the conclusion that the lamb is the way to go. The fries and salad on the side are great add ones, although I didn't have room to finish everything. The portions are just right, although, I wish I could just by a shawarma minus the fries :/ Anywho, I'll deff be back. This is my go-to shawarma spot for life!
Imported coffee
Checkout our various tyes of imported coffee.
Great Music
Our DJs will entertain you like never before.
Finest Cuisine
From Italian to Tex-Mex, you will find all types of food
Nice Staff
You will never forget our smile and professional attitude.
When my husband and I were in the East Village to see an off, off Broadway show, we happened across this eclectic eatery called Spiegel. We both loved the choices of interesting international dishes. I had the fish tacos which were excellent, with two big pieces of Mahi. My husband had the Tunisian sandwich which is a creation of marinated tune, chick peas, potatoes and harissa. He described it as tuna with layers of flavors and textures. We will be coming back the next time we are in the neighborhood.
From authentic falafel to juicy, flavor-infused meats, we've perfected our cooking process to offer the best tasting, healthiest quick dining experience option out there. All of our dishes are made in-house using the highest-quality raw ingredients, Mediterranean spices, and classic cooking techniques. The experience truly begins at our salad bar crafted with fresh vegetables, because we know an apple a day is not enough to keep the doctor away. When you're craving a cold drink, our freshly pressed juices will quench your thirst with greens, fruits, or a combination of both.
More of the great taste, less of the guilt.
Join us in our restaurant where nutritious meets delicious.
בקורת:
Ate here on the suggestions of other Yelp reviewers. Was not disappointed.
Had a whole wheat pita with chicken schwarma and hummus. Filled it with amazing fresh ingredients and got a side of sweet potato fries. Everything was excellent.
In fact, it was so good I went back the next day for lunch and tried the beef schwarma. Also excellent.
Can't beat it for the price.
This place was great as far as food goes. It tasted very good and it was reasonably priced. The location was convenient too! So I really liked that.
What was actually pretty cool was the wide variety of free toping you can add to your food. It makes for a different meal every time.
Another thing I really liked was the look and feel of the place. It had nice décor and it felt very unique and homey. The only complain I have about this place was the staff. They weren't very friendly and they were talking with each other the entire time. So that's the only downfall, in my opinion.
Price is extremely reasonable and food is fresh! I received my chicken schwarma on a pita with hummus piping hot, and was left to add whatever accompaniments and sauces I wanted from the salad bar. This included broccoli and cauliflower, tomatoes and red onion, tabbouleh, olives, chickpea salad, beet salad, and other Mediterranean sides. I was giddy with excitement at the prospect of not being limited to only a few toppings. After a long stretch of walking in the city, Maoz Falafel definitely hit the spot and satisfied my need for food in my belly
Delivery Hours
Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 12:00 PM – 10:15 PM
It's really, really delicious: well balanced, round, refreshing, flavorful with little redundancy in flavor from side dish to side dish. That being said, I've never successfully made it past the side dishes. Raised on meat and cheese you can guess what menu choices usually trump. At Black Iris, my fave delivery, I so rarely part with my precious $$$ on delivery (I'm a restaurant kinda' nom-nomer) that I put it all down on sides and some extra orders of pita. It's not knee bending amazing every single time (but when it's not it's obviously an extremely busy night for them) but this day, 08/21/2012 at 9PM I received the most perfect preparation. Whoever made the salads and sides sold at this time… I dedicated prose to you silently in my head for my entire meal. Plus, it's nice to completely gorge yourself on a meal—an lo! I feel peppy, hell, I'm ready to go dancing. I'm beautifully full!! Clearly this is the kinda' stuff we're intended to supply our bodies with. FAVES Spinch & Chickpea: It sounds humble but by god, try it. Rosy tomatoes with little acidity, crispy fried onions dressing the top—good gracious. Olive oil and lemon. YES. Labana: Yogurt with stuff on-top, but this yogurt isn't fucking around. It makes that $6 small container of whole fat yogurt from the grocery suddenly seem so mundane. I love this yogurt-stuff on bread, bits of everything in my fridge… hell, I'd put it on cheese. Beet Salad. BeetSaladBeetSaladBeetSalad! <3 <3 <3
This place is great. Delivery was exceptionally fast, food was delicious and very cheap for both the quality and quantity. The falafel sandwich is enormous and delicious and only $4.50, highly recommend. Everything tastes fresh, flavors are complex and just right. And again, a great bargain.
Gazala's Story: Gazala’s Restaurant is the creation of Chef/Owner Gazala Halabi, who celebrates her culinary heritage as an Israeli Druze. Hospitality is a Druze hallmark—guests are embraced and welcomed with a flavorful meal. Says Gazala, “I want my restaurant to be a place to eat Druze food, to sample Druze culture and be treated like family. It is a little slice of my village on Columbus Avenue."
Hummus Elite was founded on the idea of comfortable prices for healthy dishes without compromising quality, freshness, and service for its customers. Based on the typical Israeli style with a modern twist, Hummus Elite holds strong ties to its Mediterranean origin. With a growing demand for greater selections, Hummus Elite has decided to expand its variety of dishes while still retaining its original concept. In addition to dine-in service, we provide delivery, pick-up orders, and catering.
At Hummus Elite we use only the best ingredients, including organic produce and eggs. Our Hummus is freshly made several times a day with the highest quality imported spices, with no preservatives added. Freshness and quality are of great importance, and our chef creates dishes that revolve around the produce that is in season. Our menu offers many vegetarian dishes as well as some vegan ones. Low in calories and cholesterol, and suitable for people with diabetes, our Hummus is a great option for those looking for a tasty yet healthy meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick business lunch or a nice relaxing dinner, Hummus Elite will be glad to accommodate you.
Giyora Malka
Owner and Executive Chef Giyora Malka was raised in a small Israeli village on the Mediterranean coast, where he was exposed to a rich variety of cooking traditions including French and Moroccan influences. From an early age, Chef Malka was surrounded by food and the love of cooking, and always enjoyed creating food for the pleasure of his friends and family. While visiting New York during a break from Business School, his then close friend and now wife, knowing his true passion, registered him to the French Culinary Institute in New York. After graduating he worked in two of New York’s finest restaurants – Union Pacific and Sushi Samba Park, where he eventually became a Sous-Chef. He later taught cooking classes and assisted in recipe development for restaurants. Chef Malka brings to his restaurant a refreshing style of cooking that is influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Shlomo Cohen
Owner and manager Shlomo Cohen has always been passionate about opening his own restaurant. While he owned his own business for 20 years, he always wanted to be a part of the food industry. Meeting Gioyra Malka 15 years ago, not only resulted in a close friendship, but also planted the seed for making his dream become reality. Familiar with Englewood’s demand for more Kosher restaurants, Shlomo came up with the idea of opening a restaurant that suits not only the needs of the local community, but also the growing need for healthier and affordable cuisine.
Is Kosher Food Better?
In recent years, consumption of kosher food by non-Jews in the United States has risen. The reason is health consciousness and a general perception among the American public that kosher is healthier and is in some way "better" than non-kosher food. This movement is helped by the recent trends toward greener, cleaner eating among Americans
Eating Kosher for Health Reasons
Recent trends show that many Americans are going kosher. The switch, however, is not religiously motivated. Instead, many people are finding their way to kosher eating because of the health consciousness that it promotes. According to a survey done in 2008, of those who buy kosher regularly, 62% buy kosher for its quality, and 51% do so out of a desire to purchase healthier food