The Lowdown:Not sure how to start this, how about:
GO THERE! Even if you're not hungry.
Seriously put down the mouse, log off the computer, and get to 85 Howe St (near where it crosses Edgewood) and have frugal food experience much better than reading about it.
If you're still here:
Its busy, its small, its cheap, its fast, its good.
Open 11am-3am apparently 365 days a year, they deserve props for dedication.
Way to give McDonald's a run for their money!
Go here instead when you need fast-filling-cheap. Greasy, meaty, or healthy... its on the menu here for $2-$5 and puts most other food to shame, no to mention what "garbage arches" serves. They also have simple desserts, including baklava, and turkish delight.
Many things are vegetarian, vegans can't eat the pitas, only since pitas generally are non-vegan, but "plates" are larger portions on a salad for $5-$8.
Lastly, gotta respect a place that puts fresh parsley in the pitas. (dark green splotch on tomato)
Who does that? no one. Who loves it? everyone!
I watched the guy make my pitas, and discovered where I have been going wrong all these years, don't cut the pita in half, cut off the top 3/4 inch. Yes, its a sacrifice, but then the pita holds a ton of food without breaking at the edge. Brilliant! The sandwiches were crazy good. Having left my camera in my car, I got a falafel pita, a hummus pita, and a tea to go. I got to my car, and was so excited to try it I forgot to photograph the first sandwich right away. Carried away by deliciousness, I got mostly through it before I remembered to stop to inhale, and photograph. The last bite can be seenabove, hey, at least there is some falafel in it!
The Review:
falafel sandwich ($3.50):
MMMMM:crunchy and warm and a little greasy, but just a little. With the pita salad conglomeration of lettuce, tomato, red onion, and fresh parsley and topped with tahini sauce. I can tell already this is a food I will crave, and pine for when I leave New Haven in
November. It is now a weekly staple.hummus sandwich ($3.00):
MMMM:Hummus was very garlicky (just the way I like it) killer top notes of fresh parsley, crispy crunchy biting red onions, lots of lettuce & tomatoes, and smooth garlicky hummus overflowing from a pita. A very refreshing sandwich.
The tea was even good. I asked the guy what it was like, black tea or spiced chai, he said, "Well its middle-eastern tea." I tried it, and liked it. It was like black tea with cardamom, reminiscent of chai, but definitely not as spicy, and of course no milk, pepper or sugar.
The Bottom Line: for $8, 2 large sandwiches, each a normal meal's worth and tea. By my math, a large great sandwich and tea, $4.50. Seems a little over the top having two 5M'ers in a row, but trust me, but for the falafel, it is warranted, and is perfect for foodies on a budget.
Next time: falafel again, a souvenir T-shirt for $5, and something kabob'ed!
For more info, a menu and to check out the NY location http://www.mamounsfalafel.com/
