Great write up Celina! I've become enamored with that tangy, spicy garlic paste.

- by Albany Jane on Aug 29, 2008 at 8:55 AM | link

Watch out Ruth!

- by Jay H on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:47 AM | link

I am attracted to your picture, so I went to "Al-Baraki II" today. Most of the menu are wrap but they look and smell very good and the staffs are so lively. I love them.

- by Mari on Aug 29, 2008 at 2:54 PM | link

Is the dish in the photo the same one you brought to my house the last time you visited? Whatever that was, I have taste-bud reveries about from time to time.

Btw, there's a new Middle Eastern cafe/bakery here that has your name on it -- I've stopped on my way to/from work about 5 times (and it's only been open about 10 days).

Great review in the TU.

love, T.

- by Tania on Sep 2, 2008 at 6:07 PM | link

http://micasalatinarestaurant.com/
Have you tried this place, Salsa Latina, yet? I'm hearing good things.

Also, you should check out Aashiana on Central if you haven't done so yet.

- by jess on Sep 10, 2008 at 9:05 AM | link

I've heard good things about Salsa Latina, too. I will check it out soon. Thanks for the suggestions.

Also, I'm looking for great little spots (on the cheap side) in Schenectady (or in that general area). Any suggestions?

- by celinabean on Sep 11, 2008 at 9:38 AM | link

I don't spend much time in Schenectady other than visiting my grandparents in Rotterdam. I'm usually more likely to head south or east of Albany.

I've heard good things about this place though: http://www.chezdaisie.com/

- by jess on Sep 11, 2008 at 12:03 PM | link

I had a delicious creamed spinach burrito at Salsa Latina. I'm a vegetarian and it was a nice change from usual bean + cheese type. Prices are very afforable.

- by chrisck on Sep 11, 2008 at 4:49 PM | link

I have come to love al-baraki and their garlic paste, but the last 3 times I've tried to go they have been closed. this includes saturday at 2, and several weeknights around 8; all definitely fall within their posted 11-9 hours. I don't know if they are having limited hours b/c of ramadan (I don't even know if paul's muslim), or if they are modifying their hours, but it's been pretty disappointing to get psyched up for a chicken wrap oozing with garlic paste and batatas and find them dark!

- by molly on Sep 16, 2008 at 8:14 AM | link

I have come to love al-baraki II and their garlic paste, but the last 3 times I've tried to go they have been closed. this includes saturday at 2, and several weeknights around 8; all definitely fall within their posted 11-9 hours. I don't know if they are having limited hours b/c of ramadan (I don't even know if paul's muslim), or if they are modifying their hours, but it's been pretty disappointing to get psyched up for a chicken wrap oozing with garlic paste and batatas and find them dark!

- by molly on Sep 16, 2008 at 8:15 AM | link

@Molly: We had the same thing happen to us. We tried to go to the Troy Al Baraki last night (a Tuesday) around 7:30. It was closed.

- by Greg on Sep 17, 2008 at 3:23 PM | link

I called over to the Albany store yesterday, and the guy (not Paul, he wasn't there) assured me that they were open and keeping regular hours. He said they did close for Labor Day weekend. I called the Troy store several times during the day and got no answer. Hummmm.

- by celinabean on Sep 18, 2008 at 8:08 AM | link