Kabab Cafe @ Astoria, NY ****

Mixed Mezze Platter

I’ll confess to being somewhat of a control freak and suggest to others like myself that mild doses of  unpredictability can be good therapy. Of late I’ve been asking friends to take me on foodie ”adventures” to parts of New York that are off-the-beaten-track. Astoria’s Kabab Cafe is a perfect example of the sort of wonderful restaurant that is likely to be known and loved mainly by those who live in the neighborhood. While there are all manner of Manhattan restaurants serving Middle-Eastern cuisine, the open-hearted and endearing personality of a chef like Ali al Sayed is a lot more difficult to come by. Whereas waiters in the City can be knowledgeable about their restaurants’ menus, Chef Ali is genuinely enthusiastic about his, and this spirit is infectious. While sipping mint or hibiscus tea and waiting for the order to arrive, one might easily imagine being an honored guest in the Sayed family home.

For an out-of-the-ordinary experience, consider giving a friend or loved one a directive like this: “Don’t tell me where we are going or what we are doing. I can meet you on a street corner and we’ll take it from there.” Happy adventuring.

Details: 25-12 Steinway St., Queens, NY 11103 (nr. 25th Ave) (+1-718-728-9858)