Astoria in MUG

Each weekday I receive the Manhattan Users Guide in my email box. Today's was called Egyptian Dossier. Even before I scrolled down to the Food area of the NL, I thought, "I bet Astoria's gonna be in this." Lo and behold, it is! Here's what they had to say:

FOOD
In Astoria's Little Cairo section along Steinway, there's no one quite like Ali El Sayed, the beloved chief, cook, and bottle washer at Kabab Cafe, 25-12 Steinway [25th Ave.] 718.728.9858, except maybe his brother, Moustafa, who runs Mombar, 25-22 Steinway [25th Ave.] 718.726.2356. Ali cooks northern, Alexandria-style Egyptian; at Mombar, it's southern Egyptian.

Ali El Sayed - 5 Questions

NEW FEATURE!!!

At the end of every month, we are going to be spotlighting a different Astorian. We will be asking the same 5 questions, with I'm sure- greatly varying answers! This should be a fun and interesting addition to our regular posts and I for one, am looking forward to meeting all the interesting people. For our first installment, I thought who better to kick this off then one of my personal favorite local character's, Ali El Sayed. Here we go:

WHO: Ali El Sayed
Chef/Owner, Kabab Cafe (25-12 Steinway St. at 25th Ave)

Question #1 Were you born here? How has it changed? If not, where were you born and what brought you to Astoria?
Well, I was born in Alexandria, Egypt. I came here in 1978 and have been in Astoria almost 20 years and 18 years in this location.

Question #2 What is your favorite thing about living in Astoria?
(He looked at me with a look of wide eyed wonder, like DUH what a stupid question!)
Astoria itself, my favorite part is that the people make Astoria. Very interesting, don't you think?

Question #3 What is your number one go-to restaurant in Astoria? (other then his own)
Malagueta! The Brazilian guy, I love it. But the new Crepe guy is great too, you know- the French guy (he means Cafe Triskell)

Question #4 Best kept local secret that you don't mind sharing?
He answered with a chuckle- Mombar! (favoritism? maybe maybe not. I 100% agree on his brother's place being a gem) He's a great guy- he does good stuff and it's still a secret! But if you are hungry at 3 in the morning- and only at 3 in the morning then you have to go to Roti Boti.

Question #5 What would you like to see happen in/for Astoria in 2008?
What I really wish is that the restaurants in Astoria would not be segregated. This would help the community more. On one block you would have French, Brazilian, Egyptian all together. In 10 years? Oh yeah, it's gonna happen. I want Astoria to be the food capital of New York. What makes Astoria is flavor- you, me- no big fancy restaurants.

There you have it, our first 5 questions answered. Do you know a special Astorian who you think would be a good fit would want to sit for some questions? An interesting shop owner, a wise landlord, a great boss, an up and coming entrepreneur? Send over a quick note and maybe they can be one of the next 11!

Ali's Kabab Cafe on No Reservations

There was chatter here and there about Tony Bourdain coming to town to eat at Ali's Kabab Cafe as part of his No Reservations show on the Travel Channel. A number of people said they thought they saw him on the streets of Astoria, but they weren't sure. Well, he ate at Ali's and loved it! Ali cooked him a bunch of offal, not my cup of tea, but it sure impressed Tony Bourdain. Here's the video - enjoy!

Ali and his Kabab Cafe in the NY Times

If you haven't seen it already, head on over to the NY Times to read Peter Meehan's review of Kabab Cafe, with Ali featured prominently. Reminds me that I need to get over there soon!

• Pita With a Generous Helping of Quirkiness

Astorian Weekend Edition 12.07.07

After work Thursday night unwind at Waltz-Astoria (23-14 Ditmars) with some Brazilian jazz. Anthony Lanni will be there to entertain you. It's also a good excuse to see the remodeling they've done.

PeeWee's get to play tennis! On Thursday take your 5-7 year-olds (9:30-10:15 a.m.) or your 8-15 year-olds (10:30-noon) to Astoria Park for free time on the court, now through August 14th. They've also got track and field options too -- check City Parks Foundation.

Site (35-11 34th Ave) is having a "Friday the 13th" sale all day long...all pillows, dishes, and all ART is 13% off on the "unlucky" day!

There's a new community garden getting off the ground that needs our help! The Two Coves Garden at the Goodwill Triangle (30th Ave & Astoria Blvd) is open every Saturday. This Saturday, though, expect there to be planting, weeding, building raised garden beds, and more! Stop over with your dirty-able clothes (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and get your green thumb going. For more info email twocovesgarden@yahoo.com or call 718-706-8044.

Saturday enjoy the not-so-muggy weather and take a walk and explore the places you haven't gotten to! Go hit up our old stand by Kabab Cafe and enjoy the air conditioning! Ali is back in full force.

Take a cruise up Newton Creek and check out the digs from another angle. Sunday morning enjoy the cruise while you learn about bridges, neighborhoods, and industry from Greenpoint to Maspeth. Sponsored by the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment. Call right away to book ahead and pre-pay the $50/40 fee - 718-788-8500.

Remember: give your extra beer money to these guys over at Team MTA so they can have a mighty fine summer racing around the world in the name of Astorians everywhere!

Kabab Cafe Finally Re-opening!

Via JIA friend Zora on Chowhound:

Straight from the horse's mouth: the long dry spell is over! Ali will be back in the kitchen [today]. (I think the super-auspicious date is a coincidence?)

He has done some major revamping of his kitchen, due to perpetual hassle from the fire-code people, so expect some new stuff on the menu.

This is great news! I've had some terrific meals there and look forward to returning for more. Kabob Cafe is on Steinway near exotic 25th Avenue.

Photo credit: flooz!