Blown away! I just stopped in to grab a bite to eat and a coffee with no expectations whatsoever. I was greeted by a guy in a chef's coat who seemed to be manning the cash register, running food, while still doing prep work in the kitchen. This guy was a pro, I wish I got his name. Somehow managed to be friendly and talk to me despite being slammed, which is not at all easy.
Speaking of which, their kitchen is PUMPING! I watched as 6-7 people in 60-80 square feet were going nuts each prepping at least 2 item at a time. No bumping into each other, the kitchen was kept clean, prep stations tidy, and each kitchen worker seemed 100% zoned in on their task. Especially during rush time, it's awesome to see workers so zen while slamming! This indicates good employees and good management. Without either, you would see the stress much more. They're moving quick, don't get me wrong - but they seem very sure of what they're doing. Amanouz management, please appreciate your awesome kitchen staff and pat yourselves on the back for running a well-oiled machine.
THE FOOD: I got a Shawarma sandwich on baguette. I wasn't used to halal food being put on Western European bread, but I was intrigued. Shawarma is lamb and beef sliced thin but with large surface area and then stacked on a vertical spit, rotated against radiation heat, and sliced with the grain to cut off the cooked part and allow the inner to begin cooking. Definitely solid! They add a lot of black pepper to their meat, which I personally love but I can see being a bit of a turn-off to some. The meat is only part of the sandwich, though. Lettuce, onions, tomato are typical in most halal sandwiches and pita, but I was happy that they choose tahini over a tzatziki or another yogurt sauce. Tahini adds nutty flavor, sesame taste, and lends its creaminess perfectly to moist vegetables like raw onion, lettuce, and tomato. Great choice. And the bread...perfect for the sandwich. Baguette has a distinct crust with minimal yeasty middle. The more defined the crust, the less soggy a sandwich gets. The less "sponge" in the bread, the less soggy it gets. Baguette is an amazing sandwich bread and should be used more universally. Perfect sandwich construction, very well thought-out. Fantastic portion for the price. You will not be disappointed.
The coffee was great too - I got something that was recommended (Nas Nas) and I'm not a big coffee drinker, so I can't attest to how good the quality is, but they prominently advertised their coffee drinks and if their food is any indication, it can only be good. I had no problems with my drink, it was delicious. Strong though, which is probably a good thing for most people but had me a little too wired. Might be worth looking into for a more regular coffee drinker! I'm not the best source on this.
Overall, the menu is incredible, wait is short, portions are generous, prices are fair, coffee is good, and service is on point. If you somehow have more expectations from a cafe, stick to complaining at the country club or something. Incredible food, and I can't wait to be back. read more