Istanbouli #2

Today after work, we walked home with a detour to pick up some hard hats. I got a hot pink one and Rob got a regular white one.

After that we stopped at the Foolish Chicken for supper. We hadn’t been there in a while and the aromas wafting from the kitchen pulled us past the Istanbouli’s second location just next door.

If I hadn’t had my heart set on those divine ribs and sweet potato fries, we probably would have stopped for a shawarma. We did drop in to visit Rob’s “buddy” on our way by.

The new location is cosier than the original on Wellington, near Island Park. It no longer looks like a former donut shop.  Buddy has bought new tables and chairs (proper ones) that are arranged around the room in front of the windows and along the side wall.

The food preparation area is clean, as usual, and the service is excellent. Buddy (I have no idea what his real name is) is very proud of the work that he’s put into the new location. The old one is closing in April, so if you notice it gone, take the short walk over to Holland — it will be worth it.

He asked us what we thought, and eventually he pulled it out of us: the signage isn’t great. He nodded his head in agreement and said, “You wouldn’t believe how much we paid to have something that didn’t meet our expectations.”  It was meant to be a temporary solution because of the cold winter weather.  A new sign is on order and will be a vast improvement.

Buddy offered “my friend” (aka my husband) a special treat as part of the grand opening. A slice of baklava, which will be dessert for tomorrow night. There was no way I could add any more food after chicken and ribs and a slice of homemade white chocolate lime cheesecake!

Wow, I love this neighbourhood!