FARIDA - Finest World Dishes — Restaurant in New York

You can't throw a stick without hitting a review containing the term 'hidden gem,' but it's actually appropriate here. I stumbled across this place one day during lunch when I was walking around the neighborhood looking for ice cream (I found it next door) and saw a very unusual entrance covered in Rainforest Cafe-like foliage. Five minutes' worth of research, and this was on the list for an upcoming lunch adventure.

I stopped by Friday afternoon for a bite to eat. Virtually every review of this place mentions the ambience, and deservedly so. This is a VERY unique restaurant interior. The entryway to the dining area reminded me of walking through one of the rooms in Legends of the Temple (minus the scary guards) - it's really something. The actual restaurant itself is sort of a Central Asian version of a Buca di Beppo, one of my fave chains of all time that has Italian-themed shizzle all over the walls. You're more likely to find murals of Asian temples than Frank Sinatra pictures, but it's quite a spectacle to behold. The bar is right by the entrance, and the bartender behind the counter immediately told me I could sit anywhere available in the restaurant. The cathedral-like booths up front were unfortunately occupied but I easily secured a spot at a small table toward the back.

Within a minute or two, I was provided with what I'm assuming is the Uzbek version of bread and butter - essentially crostini. I didn't try the topping that looked to be chopped up cucumber, but I did sample the brown one that visually gave off pulled pork vibes. The taste DID veer close to BBQ territory, and I subsequently confirmed that it was caramelized onions. Not typically an onion fan at all, but I'm now assuming that that hatred is based on the typically crunchy texture, which this definitely didn't have. Really enjoyed it, and I ate the entire portion.

After intently studying the menu beforehand, I decided to play it relatively safe and go with the Cheburek ($18) off the hot apps section of the menu. There's an awesome Turkish/Eastern European restaurant in Clifton, NJ called Cafe Bubemara that has scrumptious Burek, which seemed to be pretty much the same concept as this (no idea what the inclusion of the 'che' prefix brings to the table), though these were definitely smaller versions, almost like large empanadas. The meat was a little crunchier than I personally prefer due to the onions/seasoning (maybe peppers?) that are cooked within the beef/lamb, but same token, you're getting decent flavoring with that texture - it's almost tangy in the same genre as falafel, I'd say. I also would have liked more meat within the dish; there were several bites in each pie that were nothing but the pastry, which reminded me of 90% of the chocolate croissants I've had, where there's just a thin sliver of chocolate inside.

The service was excellent. Unsurprisingly, I got the impression I was the only customer there whose first language was English (absolutely not a negative) but everyone there was very welcoming/accommodating. True to almost every solo dining experience I've recently had in the city, it didn't take long to order, receive my food or get the check - I was probably in and out of there in less than 35 minutes, which is mighty impressive for a sit-down lunch at a legit restaurant.

I can't sit here and say that I'd come here every week (it IS a little outside my gastro wheelhouse for sure), but it's definitely a top-tier candidate anytime I'm feeling a little...

Absolutely terrible experience. Please avoid this place like a plague if you want to preserve your dignity.

When we arrived inside the restaurant, there was a small host table in the front and few steps going down into the dining area. We waited here hoping someone will come and receive us. There were a few waiters, a bar tender and a musician playing DJ music and drums. Everyone saw us waiting, but no one attended to us. The musician signaled to us and ran inside to notify the waiters. They still ignored us and kept walking around. This was strike number one.

FInally, when one of the waiter came to the front, I went down and asked him if we will get seated. He immediately pointed us to a table and asked us to go and sit there. This table just got vacated by another party when we were waiting and was just emptied out, but not cleaned. They had other empty tables inside which were setup with napkins, small plates, table lamp etc. We were not sure why they gave us a table that was not wiped or setup. We thought they will clean the table and set it up after we sat down. The waiter handed off the tablets for the menu and walked off. After waiting for bit, we told another waiter that the table wasn't cleaned. Only after she informed the other waiter, he came and cleaned the table. This was strike number two.

Since we had the menu, all three of us have decided our dishes and sat waiting for someone to come and take the order. In the mean time, the musician started playing party music and asked a couple to dance. A few people started dancing on the floor. One of the waiters pulled out her phone and started recording the dance. There were few staff gathered around the bar and chit chatting. Our waiter was no where to be found. This was strike number three.

We left the restaurant without even having anything. We spent a good 20 - 25 mins inside this restaurant and had two interactions with the staff the whole time. One was when we pulled the waiter to ask for a table and the second was when we asked the waiter to wipe down the table. While leaving a guy with a manager badge asked us why we were leaving. We told him what happened and left. These people should not be in the...

Nestled in the heart of downtown Manhattan, this authentic Kazakh cuisine restaurant offers a delightful blend of traditional design and delectable flavors that transport you straight to the rich culinary heritage of Kazakhstan. My visit, accompanied by my Kazakh mother and American wife, was a culinary journey that left a lasting impression.

The ambiance of the restaurant strikes a perfect balance between authenticity and modernity. The traditional Kazakh design elements, from intricate patterns to warm earthy tones, create an inviting atmosphere. The space manages to be both charming and comfortable, providing an ideal setting for a quiet and harmonious dining experience.

Our culinary adventure began with Manti, delicate pockets of dough filled with perfectly seasoned meat, showcasing the chef's skill in crafting this Kazakh classic. The Sorpa soup followed, a hearty and flavorful broth that spoke volumes about the attention to detail in the kitchen. The robust flavors of the soup were complemented by the freshness of the Achuchuk salad, a vibrant mix of vegetables and herbs that added a refreshing note to the meal.

As we sipped on Kazakh tea, the authenticity of the experience deepened. The tea, with its rich aroma and unique blend, served as the perfect conclusion to our gastronomic exploration. The staff's attentiveness and knowledge further enhanced our dining experience, as they guided us through the menu with warmth and expertise.

Beyond the culinary delights, the restaurant's ambiance contributes significantly to the overall experience. The quiet and harmonious vibe makes it an excellent choice for both intimate dinners and celebratory gatherings. The subdued lighting and traditional decor create an atmosphere that invites lingering conversations and shared moments.

In conclusion, this Kazakh cuisine gem in downtown Manhattan not only offers a diverse and mouthwatering menu but also provides a cultural experience through its thoughtful design and ambiance. Whether you are a connoisseur of Kazakh cuisine or a curious food enthusiast, this restaurant is a must-visit, promising an authentic taste of Kazakhstan in the heart...