Tabouli Grill in Stamford for Lunch

Editor's Note. I originally intended to post this review prior to the review for Liz Sue Bagels. Unfortunately, life doesn't always work out as planned. So, here is the long delayed review of Tabouli Grill.

My wife and I have driven past Tabouli Grill a few times did not know much about it until we read the review in the Stamford Advocate. Since we both like Middle Eastern food, we figured we'd give it a try.

The chef/owner of Tabouli Grill, Judith Roll, traveled throughout the Middle East prior to going to culinary school. So, she has a good idea of how the food should taste and it shows. My wife and I both had the falafel in a pita. It was excellent. The falafel was cooked perfectly -- crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside. In addition, the pita was stuffed with an excellent assortment of vegetables.

In addition, we shared a side of megadarra. Megadarra is rice cooked with lentils and caramelized onions. While it sounds simple, it is extremely flavorful and tasty. Because our falafel sandwiches were so big, we weren't able to finish the megadarra. We brought it home and heated it up a few days later. It was still very tasty and excellent.

My only complaint about Tabouli Grill was the service (sensing a theme here?). It took quite a long time for the waitress to come over and offer us menus. Also, it took a bit of time for us to get our drinks after we ordered them. The service improved as the meal went on, but initially, it was not very good.

I leave you with the tabouli song. Laugh and enjoy.



Tabouli Grill
59 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06905
(203) 504-8888
www.tabouligrill.com


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Burger Bar and Bistro in Norwalk for Lunch

Word of caution: Cranky Review Ahead. Buckle up readers, you’re in for a bumpy ride.

We’re driving around Fairfield County one recent weekend afternoon, seeing the sights and getting a lay of the land. Stopped into not one, not two, but FIVE restaurants in the hopes of grabbing some lunch, and denied every time. Finally (FINALLY!) in South Norwalk we found a place that was open and still serving food, the Burger Bar and Bistro on North Main Street. Oh, how I wished we had just gone to the Subway we saw open next door…

Now let me just say, in defense of the BBB (for we shall not speak of its name again), we were tired, hungry and annoyed that no restaurants in Fairfield County seem to think anyone should be allowed to eat food between 3pm and 5pm on a Saturday afternoon. So we were unhappy before we even sat down. HOWEVER, the SUPORRIBLE (I just made that word up ! SUPER + HORRIBLE) service at BBB pushed us over the edge! To a point that, even now, days later, I’m thinking of emailing the manager over there and giving him a piece of my mind. Okay, taking a breath….

We sat at the bar. Usually one of our favorite places to sit, mostly because you’re in the thick of the action of the inner-workings of a restaurant, which we find fun, and – added bonus – you usually get served quicker. Operative word in that sentence: usually. Did I mention we’re not friends with the bartender? The reason I tell you this is because apparently that is the only way to get served at BBB. We watched her talk to her friends for at least ten minutes before she even walked over to hand us a menu. I almost poured myself my own beer, right from the tap, into my cupped hands. After ordering, we waited FOREVER to get our drinks, and an even longer time to actually receive our food. We had time to play ten rounds of Connect Four before our food appeared (BBB has board games all over the bar/restaurant, and I have to be honest and tell you that it got to a point where the checker chips were looking pretty darn appetizing to my growling stomach).

This is usually the part where I talk about the food. However, I will be pleading the 5th this time around, ladies and gentlemen. I am so upset about the service that I do not wish to review the food at this restaurant. Which is unfortunate, because BBB has a great take on the burger joint: grass-fed beef, gourmet toppings, great beer list, live music nightly. I just wish they could do something about the rotten service.

To cheer myself up, I am including this clip about waiters. See if you recognize anyone…



Burger Bar and Bistro
58 North Main Street
Norwalk, CT 06854-2716
(203) 853-2037
www.burgerbarsono.com


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Sycamore Restaurant in Bethel for Lunch

Like a good hamburger and the 1950's? If you said yes to both questions then you are going to like Sycamore.

The menu at Sycamore has a variety of items, however, if you don't get a burger you are wasting everyone's time. The burger is king at Sycamore and that king earned his crown. Sycamore has over 10 different burgers on the menu. My favorite is the Dagwood Burger. Sycamore calls it "The Final Answer to the Burger." Hands down it is one of the best burgers I have ever had.

In addition to the burgers, the French fries and onion rings are excellent. Also, the milkshakes and soda floats are excellent. Sycamore has been around since the 1950's and it is nice to see that they haven't lost the receipe for good old fashioned milkshakes and float. Finally, Sycamore also makes its own root beer, which they serve in frosted mugs. Sycamore does the 1950's proud.

Don't expect any frills at Sycamore. The burgers and fries are sold on paper plates. For me, the paper plates just add to Sycamore's charms.



Finally, the only thing that is out of step with the 1950's at Sycamore is its Ms. Pac Man game. Being a Ms. Pac Man fan, the only problem I have with this is that I sometimes forget to bring quarters with me. Thankfully, my wife usually has some loose change in her purse...

Sycamore Restaurant
282 Greenwood Avenue
Bethel, CT 06801-2424
www.sycamoredrivein.com‎


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