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Ali's Kabab Cafe


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#16 Cathy

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Posted 19 March 2004 - 02:58 AM

Well, Cathy, if it's you organizing and it's Ali's, then you will find at least two willing participants. Seems like a good maiden outing, Mouthful - wise.


With Om & Abby & moi, you've got Ali's Angels, baby.
You're only as good as your grease.


When working with high heat, the first contact between the cooking surface and the food must be respected.

-- Francis Mallman







#17 Slapsie Maxie

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Posted 19 March 2004 - 03:32 PM

it is nearly a year since I have been there. I crave some of his simple stuff like chicken and fish

I am definitely back there next trip.

#18 Cathy

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Posted 19 March 2004 - 03:47 PM

Slaps, the scope of your "next trip" plans makes me think you're relocating permanently. :D
You're only as good as your grease.


When working with high heat, the first contact between the cooking surface and the food must be respected.

-- Francis Mallman







#19 Slapsie Maxie

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Posted 19 March 2004 - 03:49 PM

Slaps, the scope of your "next trip" plans makes me think you're relocating permanently. :D

Chicago - 3 days
Toronto - 2 days
NY - 5 days ( inc weekend )
poss Boston
Poss B'ham Alabama

S

#20 Wilfrid1

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Posted 19 March 2004 - 04:55 PM

I went to B'ham, UK once. Nothing to report really.
Elect-a-lujah

***Every Monday***At the Sign of the Pink Pig.

If the author could go around the place hitting random readers with a rubber hammer, the Pink Pig would still be worth a visit.

#21 macrosan

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Posted 20 March 2004 - 12:11 AM

Well thank you for sharing that with us, Wilfrid.

#22 Cathy

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Posted 22 March 2004 - 04:39 PM

My family and I spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon here. We had the place to ourselves, and Ali was in fine form, culinarily and otherwise.

He brought us pita to dip in za’atar, sumac & his incredible fiery sauce, and a platter of hummus, baba ghanouj, warm puréed beans and felafel. After that: two warm vegetable salads, one of lemony artichoke hearts and the other of beets, onions & apples; excellent merguez (ground and spiced to Ali’s specifications) with hot potato salad; lamb’s tongue with olives; baby cuttlefish with onion, green pepper and lemon; lamb’s cheeks with jasmine rice; fabulous koshary; baked kibbeh with walnuts and dates, the only dish I didn’t adore (a bit stodgy and sweet); the usual desserts with home-made yogurt and mint tea.

I brought a bottle of Gruner Veltliner and a flask of Aberlour single malt, courtesy of Simon, whose name was invoked with due reverence - as was Omni’s, of course. :D Dad brought Ali a big cigar. I knew they’d like each other, and I knew my stepmom would be as smitten with Ali as I am. Nephew didn’t talk much; he was too busy eating. Although when Robyn asked if Ali was married, the kid said, "You'll have to get in line behind Cathy."

Ali proudly showed us a recent Newsday article about his Pharaonic goose. It's a very good portrait of him.

By the time we left, kid pictures had been passed around and bear hugs exchanged. Isn’t it fun to introduce people you love to restaurants you love?
You're only as good as your grease.


When working with high heat, the first contact between the cooking surface and the food must be respected.

-- Francis Mallman







#23 omnivorette

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Posted 22 March 2004 - 04:53 PM

I just printed out that little photo and put it on my bulletin board :wub:
"It seems a positively Quixotic quest to defend food from being used as any kind of social signifier, as if it could avoid the fate of each other component of our everyday lives." -Wilfrid

#24 Robert Schonfeld

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Posted 22 March 2004 - 05:27 PM

So, Ali likes cigars...a useful piece of information.
They're really rockin' on Bandstand.



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#25 omnivorette

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Posted 22 March 2004 - 06:44 PM

Oh yes he loves cigars. And good booze :-)

Oh yeah, and women ;)
"It seems a positively Quixotic quest to defend food from being used as any kind of social signifier, as if it could avoid the fate of each other component of our everyday lives." -Wilfrid

#26 Abbylovi

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Posted 31 March 2004 - 09:45 PM

A very nice write up of Kabab Cafe on eGullet.
It is better to have beans and bacon in peace than cakes and ale in fear.

#27 Wilfrid1

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Posted 31 March 2004 - 09:51 PM

Yes, she captures Ali's speech rhythms very vividly.
Elect-a-lujah

***Every Monday***At the Sign of the Pink Pig.

If the author could go around the place hitting random readers with a rubber hammer, the Pink Pig would still be worth a visit.

#28 Slapsie Maxie

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Posted 31 March 2004 - 10:06 PM

someone needs to organise supper here for Tony & Fharo when they are in NY

S

#29 Slapsie Maxie

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Posted 02 April 2004 - 03:47 PM

I would give anything on earth to see Tony and Ali in the same room

S

#30 Wilfrid1

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Posted 02 April 2004 - 03:50 PM

If it's the Kabab Cafe, there may only be Tony and Ali in the same room.
Elect-a-lujah

***Every Monday***At the Sign of the Pink Pig.

If the author could go around the place hitting random readers with a rubber hammer, the Pink Pig would still be worth a visit.