La Fendee

It's not that La Fendee was bad, rather it was lackluster. With the millions of restaurants available in the city, why waste your time with mediocrity? While it's a cute venue, one that's changed hands several times in the last six years since I've lived here, it's got it's own look and feel. The hookas are a nice departure from the Asian restaurant previously there.

While we waited for a third dinner companion to show up, we were ignored by the waitstaff. I was thirsty, so I figured I could help myself to the water that looked like a self-serve station.

For your own edification: please don't do that.

The waiter acted thoroughly annoyed and told me to go sit down; he'd bring me the water. Which was fine, but I was already up and filling my glass with ice. And I'd been waiting about 10 minutes for water, so what's the big deal?

When we got the food, the order was wrong. When I told him that I'd gotten the wrong order, the waiter grabbed the plate and walked away. No apology. Just walked away with the plate. While waiting for my order, one of my companions realized his was wrong as well. He just decided to eat it without asking for a change. (I am not normally high maintenance, but grape leaves aren't my thing.)

When I got my food, I found the falaffel to be bland in comparison to some of the other phenomenal falaffel around town. And while the hummus was good, it wasn't what my friends claimed it to be. Some suggest it's the best hummus in town. It was good and the bread was nice and soft.

It wasn't bad, as I left stuffed. It just wasn't great. And while the prices are inexpensive, I'd rather spend two or three more dollars for something even better. Try Istanbul Grill, Fadi's of even Dimassis is you're up for Mediterranean.