Al Dar Cafe - More Middle Eastern Hookah

On our way to Laziza bakery last week, Meg and I spotted Al Dar, a Middle Eastern cafe/hookah place on Steinway that I've never noticed before. Its facade immediately caught my eye, as the sign was big but not tacky like some of its neighboring Little Arabia establishments. I peeked inside and liked what I saw--a casual atmosphere, a mix of traditional and cushiony seating as well as signs of live entertainment on the weekends. The sign out front announced a male entertainer by the name of Tarik Sultan who performs late on Saturday nights. I thought this was kind of cool and different from the usual curvaceous female belly dancers that you'll find in all the other Middle Eastern eateries/hookah bars.

In terms of the food, I have to find out more but it looks like your standard Middle Eastern fare--kebobs, tajines, and of course hookah. I'll follow-up with a menu shortly but in the meantime, I wanted to put this place on your radar. It certainly looks worthy of trying.

Al Dar Cafe and Restaurant - 25-94 Steinway Street, Astoria NY 11103

718.726.0604

N/W Train to 30th Avenue

Butcher is Expanding

Butcher Gourmet Deli and Salad Bar - 49-16 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City NY 11101

718.786.9209

7 Train to Vernon Blvd/Jackson Avenue

Butcher, the conveniently located deli on the corner of 49th Avenue and Vernon Blvd in LIC is expanding. No longer only offering deli items and pizza, they'll also open up a cafe/juice bar/hookah bar upstairs. Seems like an odd transition but since this place is so easy to get to, it might just work. I'll monitor it and let you know the deal.

And just for fun, I snapped the above photo of the current-day Butcher. Check out the half naked dude on the upper right hand corner--it made me laugh.

Shoot me a comment if you know more about Butcher's expansion plans.