Bay Ridge
Heard it through the grapevine
If you’re jonsing for falafal or need to satisfy that sweet tooth with a little slice of baklawa heaven, Lebanese style, you need to visit the Grapevine, it’s the tastiest, bestest place for middle-eastern food this side of Tripoli.
Tony and Marie Aflak opened up the catering-take-out-with a few tables, eatery about a month ago, and are filling up the seats.
“I’m getting to network and meet a lot of people and a lot of people are taking a liking to me,” said Marie.
And what’s not to like?
Marie’s cooking talents are in her genes.
“Her dad who owned Mideast Bakery, made the best homemade pita-bread, and her mom’s bird’s nest was the most delicious I’ve ever had,” said Jeanne a long-time fan from the neighborhood. “Marie got the best cooking talents from both parents and I know that the reputation of good quality food has been passed down to her. The crust on her spinach pie is lighter than air and flaky and scrumptious.”
Marie is a trained chef and has been a caterer for the past 10 years.
“Now that my boys are older (6 and 10) I feel I can commit to the demands of a food business,” she said.
Husband Tony is no slouch either, he was an entrepreneur in Antigua, where the couple met, and had a thriving retail business in women’s clothing.
Marie and Tony keep the kabobs and homemade curry soups flowing Monday through Saturday, from 10 am to 8 pm with daily specials listed on their facebook page. Delivery is free.
Grapevine Mediterranean Kitchen [8303 Third Ave. at 83rd Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 238–8463].
