Bon Appetit Cafe — Restaurant in Town of Colonie

My husband and I had a very nice experience mid-morning on a weekday, when we popped in at the Bon Appetit Cafe to get takeout. We found it to be a little gem of a place, definitely off the beaten track. Upon entering the imposing office building at 80 Wolf Rd., you can follow your nose down a hallway on the main floor till you chance upon it. There, you'll find the food counter on one side of the smallish space, and an large variety of snacks on the opposite wall. There is a dining room, most likely used by office personnel during the lunch crunch, opposite the cafe. We were warmly welcomed by half of the friendly couple who run this unique establishment, who had introduced himself as Ayub; and, identified his wife, who had taken a moment from cooking to smile at us, as Nevin. The menu lists an extensive array of both deli items and Mediterranean/Egyptian fare; all reasonably priced (some items downright cheap); and it was hard to know where to begin. We ordered several items to go, all found to be excellent and fresh, including an order of Koshari (a nat'l dish of Egypt), a customized chicken salad sandwich which came with a side of macaroni salad, two chilis, two cookies, and best of all - the (Mediterranean) Sampler Platter, their most expensive item at $11.99. This had big pieces of the tastiest falafel you'll ever be served, several large stuffed grape leaves (best I ever had), homemade hummus with pitas, and a delicious scoop of a feta-based mixture, and mixed salad. Nevin had gave us small pieces of the yummy falafel to taste; and Ayub had comfortably situated us in the dining area with delicious complimentary coffee, while we waited for the order to be completed. It was indeed a pleasure to go there, and experience such good food and wonderful hospitality. I'm looking forward to revisiting the cafe soon, and can hardly wait to have that...

This is a hidden gem, nestled inside what is clearly an office building you would usually visit to see a dentist or an insurance company. There, tucked into a space that was probably once a gift shop, is a delightfully cozy and eclectic grill run by a kind couple.

The falafels are the size of cake donuts. The gyros are delicious, with fresh tzatziki sauce, fresh made hummus, great veggies. The baklava came in paired triangles of heaven. Hand-cut french fries, regular specials, and very reasonable prices make the brief wait absolutely worthwhile.

Sure, there's no real sign outside. Sure, parking is a huge rando lot, and you almost feel like you are plunging into a 90s corporate labyrinth as you walk into the building. If you show up at noon, rather than 11, you are going to stand there, waiting with the rest of the building's lunch rush, contemplating "why there is a statuette of Horus next to a statuette of Mary?"

You are going to forget all of that as you luxuriate in the flavors of those fries, as you savor that baklava, as you tuck into that gyro. You're going to instead ask why you never came here before and when are you...

I was in town visiting Albany, and did not want to get to the airport hungry. I I looked up on Google Maps for a restaurant on my way to the airport and found Bon Appetit Cafe.

Initially I told myself I was not interested in French food. In fact, I don't like French food at all. But it just so happens to be an Egyptian/Mediterranean/American fusion!

The food was meticulously made. The servings were generous, and just so nicely presented. It was also just so yummy!! I hated that I got full, and my gyro wrap was gone! I also enjoyed their potato broccoli soup which was a perfect paring for a cold Friday afternoon.

The final amazing thing is that even as good as this food, the service and the vibe were, the prices were amazingly affordable. I wish I got the name of the proprietor. Either way, I am glad I discovered this little restaurant! I will be back when I am in town again! Thank you for the amazing...