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Meeting up with a my sister before a visit to the Skirball Cultural Center, we were seeking a place for a reasonably priced, quick lunch. After all, the museum was the goal — not a culinary experience. Putting the intersection of Sepulveda and Ventura into a search, she happened upon the Yelp raves for a place called The Falafel Guy just three small blocks east. We like falafel, so Falafel Guy it was.

I had never heard of this place before, no one had personally recommended it, and I wasn't thinking in terms of seeking a restaurant pick or review. It was simply to be a fast meal before the event of the day. That it turned into an event of its own was a true treat.

While my cousin and I awaited my sister's arrival, we spoke with the man and the counter and learned he was the owner, Vic. He was amiable, happy and proud to be in business, and clearly enjoyed people. We knew we were happy to be in his place.

There were three of us and we all love Middle Eastern food, so we were able to order an assortment of dishes.

The plates soon filled our small table — and
as our first bites of his offerings translated to taste,
we were very, very happy to be there!

We enjoyed Grape Leaves and salads, followed by several dishes of perfectly seasoned and nicely cooked meats.
But the best surprise of the day was the Baba Ganouj
(Baba Ghanoush).
"Wow, what is this, it's so creamy," my sister exclaimed as she tasted it. None of us actually guessed it was the Baba Ganouj. I didn't because I've never thought of it as creamy. But oh, did we love it! And, I confess, although I love eggplant, I've never been a huge fan of Baba Ganouj. So this is the recipe that now sets the standard for me.

I also love Falafel. I loved it in NYC, loved it more all over Israel, and have enjoyed some in Los Angeles as well.

Falafel Guy is now my favorite place for Falafel.

My cousin, who has actually lived in Israel, was also impressed by this Falafel.

One fun thing is that while you can order off the easy-to-read menu, if you speak with Vic you're likely to become privy to some specialties of the day as well. It may turn out that he can make it for you.

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Dine-out quality with storefront pricing

The unfortunate part about this fabulous food is that it's in a somewhat hidden location. The storefront doesn't announce itself. You don't drive by and say, Oh! I want to eat there, the way a standalone restaurant might. You have to know about The Falafel Guy and be looking out for it.

So please do yourself the favor of making it a point to try it out next time you're in the area or seek a place to meet friends.

Perhaps the upside of Falafel Guy not being in a fancy venue is the down-to-earth, very reasonable pricing.

If I lived within a mile of it, or drove past it on the way to a regular job, I'd not miss a week of this fabulous Middle Eastern delight. Instead, I seek an excuse to have to travel that way.

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