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May 09, 2004
RESTAURANT REVIEW: BAMIYAN
Okay, I realize that not all of you are in the New York metropolitan area (and god bless those of you who aren't, you lucky stiffs!). But for those of who are here -- or happen to be planning to be here in the near future, I have a recommendation for you. I've become an unabashed fan of a restaurant I've just discovered on the East Side. If you're going to be in Manhattan any time soon, Bamiyan is an absolute must.
I'd never had Afghan food before this weekend, but many people I know have said it's delicious. My brother in particular has raved ad nauseum about how good it is. Well, count me among the fans of Afghan cuisine now. The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender in my Kabuli Palow, and we absolutely loved the Boulanee Kadu, which is a sort of spiced pumpkin dumpling. And we didn't even try the kabobs -- which according to all reviews is the "showpiece" dish of Afghani cuisine. The ambiance was delightful, the location (the corner of 26th St. and 3rd Ave) is very convenient, the prices were superbly reasonable for Manhattan (dinner for two with appetizers and a bottle of wine came to only $60), and the service was outstanding.
The proprietor -- a man who apparently was a Justice on the Afghani Supreme Court before the Soviet invasion in 1979 -- came over several times to ask us how our meal was... he came over himself to refill our wine glasses (not just waiting for his staff to do it)... and when we were leaving he came up and shook our hands, thanked us for coming and said he was looking forward to our return. You know, they say that kind of thing in many other restaurants, and I always know that they're saying it for the sake of saying it -- because they have to. With Mr. Shah, I had the very distinct feeling that he was absolutely sincere. For the few months when Afghanistan was still the focus of US attention, included in almost all of the human interest stories out there was some reference to Afghani hospitality, and how the people as a whole were among the friendliest and most hospitable on earth. After being in Bamiyan this weekend, it is hard for me to disagree -- they charmed me completely.
Four stars and an enthusiastic recommendation for those in the New York area.
