Balaboosta

Dr. Dave's Grilled Pizza

Why Come Here? Unique Middle Eastern inspired cuisine, rustic, relaxed atmosphere

On north Mulberry, a street once again rendered useful to food lovers thanks to the likes of Torrisi, Rubirosa, lies Balaboosta.  The space itself is rustic and casual with a small open kitchen in the back. The best way to describe the food is Middle Eastern inspired. This leads to many interesting flavor combinations which means I can pretty much guarantee you’ll experience a taste sensation you’ve never had before. And in case you need more convincing, it’s from the team behind
Taim, makers of the city’s best falafel sandwich.

I’ve been here twice and there are lots of small plates on the menu, so I’ve narrowed the list below to my top picks. For more reviews and photos, please check DishEnvy.

Burrata and Herb Roasted Tomatoes  It’s basically a big bruschetta, but it’s hard to go wrong with burrata. There’s also a nice smokey-sweetness to the dish.

Burrata and Herb Roasted Tomato

Dr. Dave’s Grilled Pizza  Goat cheese and caramelized onions is certainly not an exciting combination these days, but it works very well here with the sweet carrot puree on a crispy, spiced flatbread.

Spice Rubbed Skirt Steak  A very interesting blend of middle eastern spices unlike anything I’ve ad on a steak. The meat is tender, flavorful and perfectly cooked.

Crispy Cauliflower  I don’t always love cauliflower but theirs is well cooked and has a great blend of spices.

Balaboosta
214 Mulberry St. (Spring & Prince Sts.)
New York, NY

Hummus Place

I want to start out by saying I’m a big meat eater. I rarely have a meal (other than breakfast) without some form of meat in it. I just don’t generally find it satisfying. Thus – while I do enjoy Hummus – I was skeptical that I could love a meal at the vegetarian-only Hummus Place. However, I was blown away. I now eat here for lunch at least once a week.

Ambiance: It’s small and casual with some Middle Easter decor. There is waiter service, but the feel puts it somewhere on the bottom of the spectrum for sit-down establishments. It’s fine for a casual meal with friends, but you wouldn’t take a date you’re trying to impress here.

Food:

Hummus Fava *** – The Hummus fava, shown above, contains hummus, whole fava beans, tahini, hard boiled egg, olive oil & spices. And it is amazing. Simply put, it is the best hummus I have ever had.

As I usually order this for lunch, I get the $8 lunch special which comes with a side. I go with one of the two options below:

Falafel ** – Very tasty, nicely crisped and good mix of spices. Add these and a little hummus to a pita (included) for a nice sandwich.

Roasted Eggplant * – The tahini and lemon dressing don’t add much flavor. The eggplant is pretty good, although sometime a little soft. I usually get this as a lighter alternative to the tastier falafel.

Hummus Place (multiple locations)
71 Seventh Ave. S. (Barrow & Jones Sts.)
New York NY 10014