Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Hummus Place

For a year, I have been passing Hummus Place and saying I must go in and try it, so I finally did so. Some people turn up their noses at Hummus, but personally, I enjoy it. The recipe book Eat Up, Slim Down by the editors at Prevention Magazine printed a hummus recipe of mine...

Pleasant, small, with outside seating, Hummus Place in Greenwich Village is on Seventh Avenue, right next door to Bleeker Street Pizza, which is on the corner of Bleeker and Seventh. I chose to sit inside since I spend most of my day out and walking.

The menu offered a lunch special, but on my first trip, I decided to order the Egg-plant sandwich. Eggplant, a hard boiled egg, tahini, lettuce and pickle mango chutney are packed into two pitas (choice of white or whole wheat; I chose with the latter). On my next visit, I ordered the lunch special: any of the hummus plates on the menu, with an appetizer, all for $7.95! The mushroom hummus plate arrived with sauted mushrooms swimming in the center of a ribbon of hummus. I was asked if I wanted a hard boiled egg on top, but said, “No, thank you.” The slice of eggplant appetizer was finished with a drizzle of tahini.

Delicious! I forced myself to complete the meal, leaving a pita — used for scooping the hummus — in the basket. Also, a plate of pickles and olives was offered, as was hot sauce. I enjoyed both!

Each time my bill was under $10, and my stomach was full, and my taste buds pleased. Seated at other tables, patrons shared their different types of hummus with each other, permitting everyone to taste the variety of dishes on the menu. Alcohol is served — I do not dare to have alcohol and then try to lead a tour group afterward — as are a variety of teas and other beverages.

Try something new and maybe different. I am looking forward to Saturday’s brunch menu! You can find their menus on the internet at www.humusplace.com. Check it out; the website explains the nutritional value of hummus — it fills you up without filling you out or spiking your blood glucose levels; packed with vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3, hummus is a complete protein when eaten with pita. It is good, and good for you!