Wednesday, June 13, 2007

what the falafel?!?

I had this brilliant idea today to get some takeout for dinner. Mony was working late and I was looking forward to catching up with friends until he came home. I was not in the mood to cook tonight, but I also didn't want to cave into inedible fast food. That's when I remembered my mother-in-law raving about a falafel dinner they had recently that was delicious and cheap. I was hesitant to try it as I loathe bad falafels...they are like heavy, greasy hockey pucks and I really didn't want a heartburn-induced meal. Nonetheless, I decided to check out the place.

As soon as I walked in, I knew that this place was a gem. In the backgound, loudly playing on the tv, was a Lebanese television show. It was like walking into a small street restaurant in Beirut. I quickly took a look at the menu board and noticed that they only had a handful of choices, all revolving around falafels. To some this would be a disappointment, but for me this is a bonus. One of my biggest dining-out pet peeves is when a 'restaurant' specializes in a million different dishes. You know those restaurants...the ones that proudly boast the best everything -- pizza, subs, pasta, etc. How can they be good at everything??

This little (and I use this word liberally) restaurant truly specializes in falafels and everything to do with them. I ordered the falafels to go, along with all the trimmings to make the sandwiches at home ourselves. The trimmings included whole wheat pita, tahini sauce, pickled turnips, chopped curly parsley, mint leaves, sliced tomatoes, and spicy chili peppers. To my pleasant surprise, once my order was placed, the cute Lebanese lady actually freshly cooked my falafels right in front of me. I felt like a visitor in her home.

There is a spot in my heart for really good falafels and this place now resides there (move over Mony). The falafels were crispy and light with just the right amount of chickpea taste.

They were as perfect as falafels could be...and it was all less than $10. You just can't beat that.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is our supper tomorrow...I told you that this place is realy good....

Annie Ruok said...

Rimona just told me about this place today...now, I REALLY want to try it (hint, hint, Rimona!) So where is this place (u don't want to give them a free plug?)

dina (Lucas' mom) said...

It's a tiny little place called ARAX falafel on Curé-Labelle. I think they also have a location in Saint-Laurent too.

Anonymous said...

We will have to try this place when we come back to Montreal.

AG

Annie Ruok said...

What kind of falafel is it (it looks really dark & like it has tiny bits of veggies in it?) - is it regular or a different kind?

dina (Lucas' mom) said...

They are like normal falafels but much lighter...not heavy at all. The little bits are chickpeas.

Anonymous said...

Next time you have lunch with me , we will have falafel....I promise !