I’ve been sending out newsletters about my gigs at the Kiosk in Harlem for the last couple of months. I’ve talked up the owner, Mounir Nadj, and tried to give some of the flavor of the restaurant, but a few lines in an email can’t really do the man justice, so I decided to write a blog about him. This is Mounir:
Mounir
Let me tell you a little story about Mounir: a few months ago I was walking home from the train along 116th St. near Park Avenue. I noticed a little place across the street, a new cafe/restaurant, that looked interesting, so I went to check it out. Stepping inside the Kiosk, I was immediately greeted by Mounir. He’s a friendly and gregarious guy, so we talked for a while and he told me he’d been open for a few months. I ordered a sandwich to go, nothing too fancy, and as Mounir handed it to me he also handed me a free bottle of wine, a good Argentinian cabernet. I couldn’t believe it! I started going regularly, and I have to say everything I’ve had there has been mouth-watering. Not only does Mounir know how to put a menu together, he also knows how to create an atmosphere that makes you want to go there just to hang out. Speaking of that menu, take a look:
Kiosk Menu
Not bad, eh?
Mounir also makes a mean martini and has a very fine selection of wines, beer, and liquor. He and I started talking about having some music at the Kiosk, and eventually we started up the duo gig I’ve been playing every other Thursday. Here’s Mark McCarron and myself at the Kiosk a couple of weeks ago:
I keep meeting people at the Kiosk who have just discovered it, or are regular customers, and all are as enthusiastic as I am. If you’re into hookahs you can also find them at Mounir’s:
So if you like Moroccan food, and enjoy a night out where you won’t have to drop a lot of money, come try the Kiosk: 76-80 East 116th St. between Park & Madison; (212) 348 9010. Mounir will be there to greet you.
Mounir and his daughter selling lemonade
Click here for my next Paul Carlon sax/guitar Duo gig at the Kiosk; once at the site click the ‘gigs’ link on the left
With praise from on high.. we’re talking Canada!
Harlem One Stop gets endless inquires about all manner of places in Harlem and upper Manhattan. Just recently a Canadian vistor called to see if we could retrace from her description a restaurant she and a friend had wondered into on 116th Street during a recent visit to NYC.
She mentioned colorful hookah pipes, great food, coffee and a delightful owner all of which had Harlem One Stop surprisingly stumped. following her lead we explored the area only to discover “The KIOSK” a Moroccan restaurant that closely fit her description. Upon checking the place out further, all we can say is she lead us to one of the greatest restaurant finds around… and Harlem One Stop has a curious Canadian to thank for it.
Everything about the restaurant is charming and delighful, so I encourage you to run, not walk there as soon as you can.
Also “click below” to check out a great customer blog review of “The Kiosk”
http://weirdlatin.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/the-kiosk/
I fully agree that you should NOT overlook this gem hidden in the bustle of El Barrio’s 116th Street. It is well worth the trip from even downtown!
I’m a vegetarian and always find it easy to eat there. My (carnivorous) friends are never let down with the the meat offerings!
Make sure to try it out. I think you’ll be back here writing a piece after you do!
[...] Also “click below” to check out a great customer blog review of “The Kiosk” http://weirdlatin.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/the-kiosk/ [...]
[...] JAZZ/BRAZIL DUO WHEN: Thursday 10/22/09 WHERE: The Kiosk 76-80 East 116th Street Harlem, NY TIME: 8:00 p.m. TICKETS: NO [...]