Balaboosta, NoLita
Balaboosta (Yiddish for perfect housewife) is the new-ish Mediterranean restaurant from Einat Admony, of Taïm fame (aka best falafel sandwich in the city). Her more upscale restaurant (in terms of cooking) made many “Best of” lists for 2010, and rightfully so. I love the homey way it’s decorated; bookshelves actually full of books and trinkets, a cozy dining room with a long communal table, and a big open window kitchen that faces the street.
The food was absolutely delicious, although I don’t see this being a go-to spot for me. It’s great for a date or a subdued dinner with friends or parents, but you can definitely find similar food elsewhere at a lower price point. But fun for a splurge now and again.
We ordered way too much food, from the grilled pizza with carrot purée, caramelized onions, goat cheese, and cilantro to the half chicken cooked under a brick with Israeli couscous with dried apricots. That’s in addition to what’s pictured above and below: the falafel-wrapped meatballs, the hummus (served in a mortar and pestle), and a delectable caramel apple tart. Everything was perfection.
