Kabab Cafe, Astoria Queens

What an amazingly ridiculous experience!  Thank goodness for Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern for suggesting this place!  After watching this episode, I had to make the trip!


We got there right as they were opening and were waiting for chef Ali El Sayed to arrive.  So we walked down the street to kill time, meanwhile trying to convince the person I was with NOT to give in to the temptation of the other spots around the hood.

                
Sweet Breads                                                                                       Lamb Cheek cooked for over 48hours

So when we returned, this random guy from the shisha spot across the street was waving for me to come in.  I pointed to myself for reassurance and questioned if he was even speaking to me at all.  As I approached, I completely did a "oh shit" and noticed that it was chef Ali.  With the most relaxed vibe and soothing charm, he was puffin on some shisha and told us that he would be another 20min!  Boy o boy did I have to calm my boy down from not flippin out and picking some other random spot, let alone from killing him for making us wait even longer.  Luckily I can convince a blind man to buy reading glasses.

         
Lamb Brain                                                                                          Rocky Mountain Oysters aka Lamb Testicles

For over 20 years in the same location, Ali's passion for cuisine completely shines through his amazing dishes and incredible personality.  The Northern Alexandria style Egyptian was the greatest display of the worlds food that I have ever experienced.  Just meeting him was well worth the wait and trip to Queens.  As he explained each dish, you can hear the passion in his voice and taste the magic.  This place is damn delicious and a must for any foodie!  Absolutely incredible.

Kabab Cafe (by chef Ali El Sayed)

25-12 Steinway st Queens, NY 11103
Open Tue-Sun 1pm-5pm, 6pm-10pm
(718) 728-9858


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