So I stopped by OBA today to take something out for lunch. The first thing I was struck by was how incredibly crowded it was! The second, how friendly and professional the staff was - from greeting me at the door to keeping track of my order despite how busy it was and making sure I got my food as quickly as possible. And the third thing? How delicious the food was! I am happy to report that OBA seems to be the real deal. I ordered a chicken shish kebab in a pita and it was awesome. The sandwich comes with two sauces, one of which gave it the perfect spicy kick. And the chicken was grilled to perfection with a nice charcoal-broiled flavor. I cannot wait to go back for more.
This place already seems to be a big hit, and I predict it will be a huge success. I am not only basing that on how great this first sampling of their food was, but just by how professional the staff is, how organized it is considering it just opened, and how much work they put into building out a workable restaurant -- their kitchen space is enormous given the cozy size of the restaurant.
This space, at the corner of Austin Street and Restaurant Row in Forest Hills, used to be a frozen yogurt shop. It's obvious the owners made the right business decision by converting the space into a Mediterranean grill. Judging by the crowds, there is a huge demand for this type of food in our neighborhood. I know there are one or two other places that offer similar food right nearby. But my first impressions of OBA leads me to believe that they will have to step up their game.
This place already seems to be a big hit, and I predict it will be a huge success. I am not only basing that on how great this first sampling of their food was, but just by how professional the staff is, how organized it is considering it just opened, and how much work they put into building out a workable restaurant -- their kitchen space is enormous given the cozy size of the restaurant.
This space, at the corner of Austin Street and Restaurant Row in Forest Hills, used to be a frozen yogurt shop. It's obvious the owners made the right business decision by converting the space into a Mediterranean grill. Judging by the crowds, there is a huge demand for this type of food in our neighborhood. I know there are one or two other places that offer similar food right nearby. But my first impressions of OBA leads me to believe that they will have to step up their game.
I don't know, I just don't feel excited by this place. As you said in the post, there are other places right on the same block where you can get this type of food. I would be thrilled at something outside of the box, like Hungarian. The only full Hungarian restaurant we have in the entire city is Budapest Cafe on the UES. So many other cuisines out there to sample, had enough of the gyro - Mediterranean thing. But at least it isn't another bank!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that at least it's not another bank, for sure.
DeleteI also agree with you that something outside the box would be great.
However, you have to take a step back and look at the overall here in Forest Hills. We are coming off of a restaurant situation that until the past several years or so was simply dreadful, with maybe a handful of decent places to eat. It was a ghost town for edible food. That's how I always start with my thinking when we get a new place.
Hungarian would be spectacular - but we need to still fill in the very basics! We are almost there, not quite.
As for the other similar places, they just don't fit the bill of what this new grill offers. I have a policy on this blog that I never write negatively about a place - I simply don't cover it on the pages of EOTC. So I will continue that by simply saying: one is way too expensive for what it offers, the other's food is simply not good (or at least it wasn't the last time I tried it, like 6 years ago), and the other's is just ok. Everything I see at OBA gets it right - fills the niche of reasonably-priced fare you can easily take out, and the food tastes terrific.
Ria ria HUNGARIA!! My mom and dad both of Hungarian decent, so I respect the idea, however with this generation of quality based “fast food”, not sure we would be able to showcase the true beauty and taste of good ol’ fashion Magyar food. I’m all for diversity though and legit representation of cultural foods! Korfu used to be legit Greek new owners came in and ruined it, they don’t even give Tzatziki sauce not side salads no more last I checked; that’s rediculous! I’ve said this before too, but’s sadly everyone is always trying to make a quick buck, rather than focusing their energy and passion in quality food for middle class people!! Anyways, cheers to the Hungarians, and all the continued new food popping up in Forest Hills!
DeleteThe 4:08 poster here. Just picked up their menu. I would stop in some time soon. The filet mignon kebab sounded good and they many standards - spinach pie, baklava, etc. Will give them a shot.
ReplyDeleteI just picked up 2 falafel sandwiches this evening. They were quite good, but took 15 minutes between ordering and being ready. They also need to work on customizing the toppings a little. Maybe it's just a case of them bueing new and needing to iron out a few early wrinkles. I'll give them another try next month and see how that goes.
ReplyDeleteWent here for lunch the other day. Really impressed with what they had to offer. I had a lamb kebab/chicken kebab combo. The meat was moist and perfectly seasoned. The bread was so soft and fresh. The quality of the service was excellent. They even brought complimentary dessert and tea at the end of the meal. The prices were reasonably. I completely agree that Oba is better than the other Mediterranean options nearby.
ReplyDeleteI ate here with my son on a cold night a couple days ago. I truly feel the owners are completely committed to giving us the best they can offer. Spoke to the owner about drafts(maybe curtains until spring?) dim the lights at night (coziness} he was great and so was the food. Please be mindful when ordering takeout,they strive to cook your order fresh upon order so it will take time and judging by the lines this could take time. So how about giving them a call to order say 20mins before you arrive to smooth things out. I am sure they will succeed and be a great asset to the area.
ReplyDeleteSomeone needs to tell them to put up a winter entrance that insulates the diners from the constant blasts of cold air that occur every time the door is opened.
ReplyDelete... and you cannot do that, why exactly? Because it is easier for you to exist in a virtual world and not the real one? Or because complaining is just one of your hobbies? Let us know.
DeleteHa, good point Drake! A bit sassy, but I agree. They just opened and the whole "someone needs to tell them" thing is annoying. They'd probably be open to feedback so why sit there and balk about what you didn't like and expect other people to complain on your behalf.
DeleteIt's my experience that the squeaky wheel...well, doesn't really all that often get the grease. I've spoken to managers/owners of various FH restaurants and stores about issues like this, and most often I just get a shrug and a "Not much we can do about it", or "well, nobody else has complained about it". Feels kind of hopeless sometimes to speak up at all.
ReplyDeleteThe place was jumping Sat and Sun. They will def hurt the other eateries around there. Good time to step things up.
ReplyDelete