I remember when this corner was Matty & Weg’s. The storefronts in the neighborhood of Cobble Hill change as fast as any other neighborhood in NYC, but lately, it seems like it has been for the better.
Despite heartbreaking closures (like the recently shuttered Esposito’s Pork Store), the residents manage to mostly keep out the big chains. It still feels like a place of mom and pop shops and cutting edge entrepreneur restaurants. Nabila’s is a refreshing take on Lebanese cuisine, which is found in all its glory just a few blocks away on Atlantic Avenue.
Nabila’s is both casual and fancy at the same time. A display of salads and pastries welcomes you, along with a slightly stiff hostess.
I was tempted to sit and enjoy an entire meal, but the tiny little bites (for $3 each) of classic Lebanese called my name.
A tasting of 3 was a modest $9 and while it was not equal to a full lunch, it was a very enjoyable appetizer.
They were bigger and more substantial than party hors d’oeuvres but smaller than a breakfast pastry. I found them to be the perfect two or three bites each.
It was hard for me to choose a favorite as the doft sough was masterfully baked and the flavors were all unique and bold. I especially liked the sambousik with its stretchy melty string cheese and rich tangy feta all hushed by the unmistakable addition of mint.
The fatayer (or spinach pie) is a pastry I am familiar with and this one had all the flavors of the giant one. Chopped earthy spinach mingled with the sour hit of sumac and lemon.
The beef kibbeh (a vegetarian one is also available) was the shape of a football but the size of an air hockey puck. Beautifully spiced, the bulgur picked up the notes of cinnamon, ground beef, and allspice.
All three showed different flavor profiles and the quaint excitement coming out of the new neighborhood corner spot called Nabila’s. Hope it doesn’t change anytime soon. Price: $3 each
| NABILA’S |
| 248 Court Street (at Kane Street), Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (347) 689-9504 |
| nabilasbk.com |
