Gazala's Place

There are very few Israeli restaurant so I was very excited to eat here. On a stretch of ninth avenue in the forties with lots of Thai joints, Gazala's Place is a sliver of a spot. One side of this place, is a bench lined with Israeli style cushions and pillows. When you walk in on the left is a special oven used to make a very thin whole wheat pita, very unusual. Weekends mean borekas and the special boreka was made with sundried tomato and labaneh cheese. These are warmed and browned and are sinfully good. A small flavorful ice-berg lettuce salad with tabouleh accompanied this dish. I ordered a lovely hummus which was served in a pretty ceramic bowl. Mains of shish and other kebabs are also available. Prices here are pretty reasonable for the location. The bathroom is through a tiny kitchen passing through potatoes and bags of rice to reach the teeny toilet which was moderately clean though toilet paper was M.I.A., fortunately paper towel was handy.

The Smith

The Smith on 3rd Ave between 10th and 11th street is a recently opened American/comfort food restaurant that will satisfy your late night or morning after cravings. This spot in a jammin' loc in the E.V. does comfort food at comfortable prices. The Smith boast an edgy design with white tiled walls and black slate banquets, a well stocked bar and clean bathrooms. I have eaten here twice and have not been dissapointed. My favorite dish here is the creamy roasted tomato soup topped with Vermont cheddar. This scrumptious soup tastes of pure Americana. The mac and cheese arrives in a caste iron skillet and is quite rich and good. Burgers are serviceable and the mushroom ravioli is very good. Ice cream sundaes such as hot fudge and apple pie sundaes are the featured desserts, though not made with any locally made ice-cream, I would fill up on the comfort fare and head to the East Village Ice Cream Factory for dessert if you are feeling like an ice-cream fix.