Falafel — a popular Middle Eastern “fast food,” made with chickpeas (or fava beans), herbs, and spices; ground and then formed into circular little patties (or balls) which are then then deep fried — is believed to have originated in Egypt some 1000 years ago, and to have then found its way to other parts of the world. (Some claim it actually hails from India, and dates back in the 6th century.)▫️
Its disputed origins notwithstanding, most agree that this item should have a slightly crunchy (brown) exterior, but soft interior.
▫️
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay whips up his version using chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, serrano chilies, opinions, parsley leaves, mint leaves, coriander leaves, lemon juice, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, baking powder, salt, pepper and (for frying) groundnut or vegetable oil.
▫️
To make a long story short, the “Falafel Tandoori Taco -- Hummus, Tahini,” ($14), which we were served at Reunion Ktchn Bar [sic], located at 18167 Biscayne Blvd, in Aventura (Florida), was an utter disappointment. Food should never feel (or taste) like you’re eating rocks. We found these black-tinged items way too gritty and overpriced, given we only got three pieces. (And were it not for the accompaniments, this thing would have been totally devoid of any taste.)
▫️
While you may find this hard to chew, we unanimously rated it an “F.” (I’d quickly rock on past this dish if I were you ….)
.
.
#lucasaferrara @reunionkb #tapas #tapear #snacks #appetizers #appetizer #tapasstyle #food #foods #spanishfood #foodie #foodies #vegan #restaurant #restaurants #meat #meats #northmiamifood #chickpeas #falafel #northmiamirestaurants #foodreview #foodreviews #foodcritic #culinaryart #culinaryexperience #vegetarian #veganfood #vegetarianfood #rocks