New York Street Food

(credit: NYSF)

In case you were not aware, today in National Garlic Day. In honor of the occasion, we are reviewing Toum, which is the word for “garlic” in Arabic. How can you not love the logo of a smiling head of garlic on the side of the truck.

We’ve had most of the items on Toum’s menu, but one we haven’t tried yet is their kofta sandwich for $8.50. Not being sure how large it was, we also got a side order of fries for $3.

(credit: NYSF)

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(credit: NYSF)

We received some sad news last night. Bistro Truck is not coming back to the NYC streets this spring.

According to Yassir Raouli, chef and owner, permit issues and the chaotic status of the NYC food truck industry were two of the prime reasons behind his decision.

Of course, it doesn’t leave much time for a food truck when you have a restaurant to run.

We have many fond memories of Bistro Truck, and one of the highlights has to be their 1st Birthday Party. On the same day they were celebrating 1 year on the street, Yassir found out that Bistro Truck was named as a 2010 Vendy Award Finalist. Now that was a day for celebration!

Even with the restaurant, Rustic L.E.S. keeping him very busy, Yassir still has plans for the future.

(credit: NYSF)

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Freddy (left) and assistant

It’s been a while since we’ve been to the King of Falafel & Shawarma, who won the Vendy Cup in 2010 as the best street vendor in New York City. It’s always good to catch up with Freddy, who has his finger on the pulse of New York street food as much as anyone.

Freddy’s original cart is on Broadway & 30th St in Astoria, Queens, but last March, the King branched out and opened a 2nd cart in midtown, on the NW corner of 53rd St & Park Ave. That makes it easier for us to have lunch there during the week.

This visit, Freddy also told us about a new location he will be at that hasn’t been announced yet.

(credit: NYSF)

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(credit: NYSF)

If you enjoy Middle Eastern food, Toum is a definite step up from the unnamed halal carts that populate most corners of midtown and downtown Manhattan. Yes, they are also a little more expensive, but the difference in price is readily apparent in the food.

We have enjoyed several nice lunches from Toum (which means “garlic” in Arabic), but haven’t had a chance to try their go-to dish, chicken shawarma. A couple of times previously, the chicken shawarma sold out before we got there.

This time it was a cold and rainy day, so there was very little chance of the chicken shawarma selling out before we got there. A sandwich costs $7 and a platter is $10, and we went for the sandwich.

When you see what this sandwich looks like being made, you’ll see why it sold out before we could order the last two times we were there.

(credit: NYSF)

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