Chateau Blanc Cafe — Restaurant in Cambridge

"Expensive, gross-tasting food prepared in unsanitary conditions"

I'd heard mostly good things about Aleppo Palace's shwarma, but the dinner I purchased tonight was inedible! Chickpea salad/balela was BATHED IN RAW ONION (see pics) and vinegar; chicken was pink inside and had an odd texture/smell to it, despite its overall bland flavor; gagged on hummus so acidic that it smelled and tasted rancid; the last straw for me was when I spat out a short, dark human hair from a bite of the lentil rice! (Nasty!) Took a couple pictures for this review and threw everything away, it was so gross.

Also, regarding sanitation: Didn't touch the pita bread I was given since it was handled "raw" by a GLOVELESS cashier who alternated osculating money/cards at the register with touching food -- no, he did not wash or sanitize his hands first. (EW!) Ample kitchen staff did not wear masks or hair restraints of any kind such as a hat, hairnet, or bandana; nor did they ask patrons to wait outside despite a group of 12+ bar-flies entering all at once into the small waiting area (3' x 4'-ish) at "bodies touching" proximity. Seemed like the perfect breeding ground for foodborne illness and COVID/flu...

...Needless to say, I am disappointed and disgusted by this experience, all around....

I stumbled into this place with a few buddies after having quite a few at a show in the area. Like inebriated moths floating toward the light of their store front the smell of middle eastern spices grabbed us by the shirt collar and led us in. We found ourself standing behind a clean glass counter inside a small building where we were promptly met with fast friendly service at an ungodly hour. Not being familiar with the menu and being a few steps from a state of mind that would allow us to make split decisions, when asked what we wanted we simply said whatever is fast and ready to go. The man behind the counter proceeded to throw together what I can only describe as a masterfully crafted blend of lamb, tahini, vegetables and some secrets long passed down through generations....all at a reasonable price I may add.

Point being, there isn't a soul on that trip that wouldn't consider making the hour and a half drive to Cambridge just to once again taste some of the amazing things that came out of that late...

My experience was super amazing. It's such super important to mention that Malcom Jamal- Warner died today, he was on The Cosby Show. So it was on my heart being a fan of The Cosby Show when I walked into Chateau Blanc Cafe.

So I walked in with my friend Mina and we started to play along with the clerk who's name guess what....Theo....The name of the character that Malcom Jamal-Warner played on The Cosby Show... Huxtable the last name....and the first name.....

Theo. The clerks name was Theo!

I truly believe that Malcolm was in that moment with me. Theo, the clerk was super fun, interactive, super giving with the samples and a nice treat for my friend Mina. This is hospitality. Thank you Theo and thank you truly Malcolm.....Theo....

To the owner, I'm Lebanese. I never had your falafel at Allepo before you changed to Chateau Blanc Cafe. I'll return and say hi one day in the future. And of course, can't forget to mention the most beautiful piece of architecture...