For those of us who grew up after the island of Cyprus was split, and living in New York or London, hummus, tablouleh and teramousala are like old fashion home cooking and this is our comfort food. Falafels, Dylan, and Bob Marley were staples of the college life. Now as we grow older and haul around kids in station wagons, this small Middle Eastern restaurant/market located in the homey residental Como Park neighbohood is the perfect stop for friends and family on the way to the Zoo or an afternoon in the park. Falafels are made with freshly ground chickpeas, stuffed in hand pulled baked peta, topped with homemade turip pickles, and dizzled with milky tahini. Chef Bishara Ailabouni's smile sits behind a smoky and intense baba gannouj and his hummus is light and airy. A half dozen pies can be obtained for a few dollars each and are great to bring home or to a potluck picnic. If you are a meat-eater, try the sfeha made with ground meats, feta and hot pepper while the spinish pies will satisfy the veggie lover amply.
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