How many restaurateurs say their mothers
influenced their cooking?
Thousands.
But do any of those ingrates name their restaurants after dear
old mom?
Here’s one: Refael Hasid. Hasid’s new place, Miriam, is named
for his mother who, he says, "is a great cook." And
he’s using some of her recipes on his menu.
Miriam, which Hasid opened July 1 on Fifth Avenue in Park Slope,
features Middle Eastern cuisine, but don’t come here expecting
falafels. This is "upscale Middle Eastern," says Hasid,
who also owns Hill Diner in Cobble Hill. "Upscale Middle
Eastern" means you’ll fork up sole baked in tahini sauce;
eggplant terrine, lightly anointed with truffle oil; and raw
flounder marinated in spices and sliced thin for Middle Eastern
"sashimi." Hasid’s fresh herb salad (at left) features
baby octopus and marinated "adzuki" beans.
There are several Israeli wines on the 55-bottle international
wine list, with many good pours falling into the $20-$32 range.
Enjoy a glass with a dessert of cool, custardy panna cotta, flavored
with rosewater and sprinkled with pistachios, or tahini mousse
topped with halvah (a confection made from ground sesame seeds
and honey).
Miriam has a warmer ambience than the cooler modern vibe of its
predecessor, the Surreal Cafe. A tiled bar runs the length of
the room, wooden tables seat 60 guests and Moroccan-style lamps
cast patterns about the dining area. On weekend evenings, musicians
play while a belly dancer shakes her stuff.
Mama would kvell.
Miriam (79 Fifth Ave. at Prospect Place) accepts American Express,
Diner’s Club, Discover, MasterCard and Visa. Entrees: $11.50-$18.
The restaurant serves dinner daily and brunch on weekends from
9 am to 3 pm. For more information, call (718) 622-2250.
