RESTAURANT REVIEW

Falafel Bistro

Just east of Coral Ridge Dr. on the south side of Wiles is a fantastic little place that in NY or Boston would be called a “hole-in-the-wall” find. In Coral Springs it’s just “way west.” Our rep Deb Gold, who is addicted to this place (and introduced us), eats or takes home from there so often, she’s almost part of their family. Apparently a whole lotta folks feel the same, judging by the sheer number of cars pulling in and whipping out not 3 minutes later with leaning towers of to-go boxes. With only 16 seats, you’ll feel more like you’re eating in a friend’s kitchen, but make no mistake, this food is exquisite! Seasonally fresh and bursting with such amazing natural flavor, you almost can’t quite figure out how they pull it off.

Steadfast since my last review, I STILL think it’s a cock-a-mamie name; Falafel Bistro?? “I LOVE Falafel,” said the Israeli born Ilan (pronounced Elan) whose soft-easy-going, good natured personality is immediately engaging. “But most places make this thick, grainy, heavy, oily thing, not at all the delicacy I love,” he said.

I too remember eating this semolina ball and being none too impressed on quite a few occasions. When Ilan’s Hummus/Falafel platter ($10) (or u can order by the piece for 50 cents each!!) arrives, six tender, meat-less, perfectly seasoned orbs served with hummus, pickles and pita – you are FLOORED! Even if it doesn’t sound appealing, try it. You’ll be hooked. I watched Hank’s face as he ate one of the crispy crunchy balls hot from the kitchen. You’d think it almost impossible that ground chick peas, spices and lightly fried semolina could taste this good. Hanky simply muttered, “oh man,” reaching for another. He said it about 12 more times during our meal. “I make falafel fresh sometimes 9 times a day,” said the happy and so sweet Ilan. He also makes soup almost as many times a day—ALL varieties are heaven. His vegetable noodle soup, (this is a Kosher-style vegetarian restaurant) is at the risk of sounding cliché, to die for. So is almost everything here. Food is his passion—and combining food, his natural gift. “Here, nothing sits ever, we make dishes, even salad, ONLY when someone orders it.”

Maybe that’s it. The freshness is almost astounding. When his beautiful American born wife Lauren, a former teacher at the local JCC, brought out homemade Moroccan Vegetarian Couscous (a steal at $13.50 & made only on Thurs. but if not ordered ahead is almost always sold out by 6pm,) I could only smile. A couscous lover, it’s THE best I ever had, anywhere).

Primarily Mediterranean specialties, we easily sampled a dozen things, everything superb.

Married in 1991, the cute couple have a son and a daughter. With quite the culinary background, she owning a catering company back in New Jersey, and together an international fine-dining restaurant in Israel, she said, “food has always been a passion we share. We love working with and creating food and wanted a place that offered great tasting cuisine that was healthy but still exciting.”

They bake EVERYTHING here from scratch. He makes a 3-egg omelette sandwich on an exquisite baguette ($7.50) that’s like what mom made! We also tried a Tuscan sandwich ($8), layers of roasted eggplant, topped with vine ripened tomatoes, layers of mozzarella cheese & pesto, with field greens and herbs! So good, you could cry. The Greek ($8), had a generous helping of sun-dried tomato spread topped with layers of incredible Feta cheese, roasted red peppers, field greens and fresh basil . Amazing! His ½ lb side-order of hummus ($5.50) enough for 2 or 3 served with pita wedges ($1) was THE BEST HUMMUS WE’VE EVER EATEN. Period! The prices are beyond affordable; but a steal, a real steal for this quality. “I use mostly tahini,” he said proudly of the très expensive ingredient (sesame paste) hat flatvors his hummus to perfection. You’ll NEVER be able to eat store-bought again. I swear, it’s that good. Now open for lunch and dinner 7 days from 11 until…”well, mostly 9,” said Ilan with that engaging twinkle he has. “But if customers come in late and we’re still here, we cook for them, sometimes even until 11. And on weekends even later.” It’s that warm a place. They now serve wine by the glass, “well if they want a bottle,” said Ilan, “that they can have too.” Dining here is a complete delight. The service is beyond friendly and no meal disappoints.

PLEASE try the traditional Israeli Salad ($9.50, ample for 2 or even 3). A hand-chopped when you order it, symphony of simple ingredients—cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley in a light olive oil, lemon dressing that you HAVE to taste to believe so few ingredients could taste that good. Their Mediterranean Platter for 2 ($17.50) with hummus, falafels, pita bread, pickles and babaganoosh (eggplant appetizer) is outta this world! The Bourekas, a flaky Sephardic cheese puff appetizer with spinach & feta ($8.5) literally MELTS in your mouth.

A complete Tilapia fish dinner ($21.95) included everything! (Rice, Israeli salad, hummus, pita & a glass of Israeli wine). The fish, so expertly grilled in lemon, a hint of oil and seasonings was simply outrageous. So was the cheese and mushroom ravioli in a cream mushroom sauce ($17.50 including salad and baguette). A Chileans sea bass wrap ($14.50)? Screaming good! No frou, frou, no pomp. Everything is simple, casual and wonderful. Don’t leave without ordering their pink pomegranate lemonade. “Oh man,” said Hank. Lattes here ($3.50) are prettier and better than most of the fancy coffee places. They use only hi-end Lavzza from Italy. All desserts are homemade and many except Baklava ($3.50) change daily –BEG for the Chocolate/hazelnut Nutella crepe thingy. ($7) A Yememite bread/crepe is schmeared with chocolate, served hot with melting coconut ice cream (or vanilla) “HOLY CRAP, OH MAN,” won’t even cut it. Daily blackboard specials & a kid’s menu too!

Genuinely warm and welcoming, these are really good people who love it when you love their food. Please tell them Parkland Life sent you. Catering & take-out. Open 7 days Mon.-Thurs. 11am-?? A partial menu (sans specials) at www.falafel-bistro.com. 11570 Wiles Rd, Coral Springs. All credit cards. 954.346.5300.

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