Gazala Place's Burekas. Photo by Marta Bartolomei Edmonds.
Yesterday our friends Eric and Michael introduced us to Gazala Place and I have not stopped thinking about this restaurant since. In fact, I am pretty sure I am going to convince us to go back there tonight.
Our evening had started with after work drinks at the rooftop of the MET. We stood in line to get drinks and fought off beautiful people trying to get ahead in the line. The line was so long that by the time we ordered, we each had two martinis in our hand to avoid a second wait. A gorgeous sunset unfolded as we overlooked Central Park and the Upper West Side skyline. As the MET closed, Eric suggested we go to this Israeli restaurant they like in their neighborhood.
Sunset at the rooftop of the MET. Photo by Michael Eade.
The first thing I noticed when we got there was a stone countertop at the entrance strewn with flour and a rolling pin. That was a good sign. As we entered, there's a pan full of fresh, plump pastries sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds. Now I was intrigued.
Eric and Michael ordered for us and soon we were presented with waves upon waves of delicious food. Bowls of salad made of crispy lettuce and bright red tomatoes topped with chopped parsley, mint, bulgur wheat and a sesame tahini dressing. This, followed by the impossibly delicious pastries that had greeted us at the door: burekas - crisp, fresh and filled with goat cheese and sundried tomatoes. Then, hummus with a pool of aromatic olive oil and thin sheets of warm sagg pita gathered into a basket. Then, fried kibbe of minced meat and bulgur wheat. Then, a mound of seasoned lamb with pine nuts, served in a bed of hummus. Then, an incredibly light and strongly seasoned falafel with baba ghanouj on the side. Then, a perfectly seasoned kafta kabab of chopped beef with a mound of rice. Yes, we feasted and our bellies were full.
We ended the night with thick Turkish coffee and osh al-saraia, a delightful little mound of sweetness that I can only describe as bread soaked in syrup with a thin layer of light cheese topped with finely ground pistachios.
A lovely evening with good friends and a food experience that will be remembered. Thank you to Eric and Michael for sharing Gazala Place with us.
Learn more about Gazala Place in this New York Times article.