Alforon - A first look

I'm really blessed to have so many FOYs (Friends of Yoso). There are times when I don't hear from them for pretty long periods, but I always appreciate the recommendations folks like KenB and "SomTommy" provide. Receiving emails from them is like getting an early Christmas present. I hadn't heard from FOY ChristinaC in a while, perhaps not since one of her recommendations Chef Tony closed. So I was pleasantly surprised to find an email from her in my inbox two days ago! And even better, it was a recommendation; for a shop called Alforon. Christina's rec's are beyond refute, so even though the Missus was under the weather, we made sure to drop by this tiny shop on El Cajon Boulevard ASAP.

 

The interior of the shop is tiny, but full of warm colors, and there are wonderful fragrances coming from the oven made of refractory concrete in the back of the kitchen.

 

The menu is small, but like the very friendly, energetic, and warm Samia, one half of the husband and wife team that owns this shop says, "it is full of good food, everything except one thing, the baklava is made here." Samia makes time to talk to all her customers, and since we really stood out; everyone else seemed to be Lebanese or Armenian, she was curious as how we had found Alforon. I told her that a very "dependable source had emailed me and told me I had to try this place."

Since the various versions of the freshly made flat breads looked great I went with the version topped with Soujouk($5.75):

 

Looking like a wood-fired pizza, this was wonderful, nice texture (a decent bit of pull), topped with deliciously spiced sausage, and a light sprinkling of  fresh white cheese. I really enjoyed this, and can't wait to try othe versions of this...... I have a feeling the basic Zaatar, made with imported organic wild thyme and other herbs and spices will be heavenly.

The Missus, craving Falafel went with the Falafel wrap ($4.95):

 

This was a nice combination of flavors and textures, but was overshadowed by the Soujouk. Still the Falafel was fried to order, and was nice a crisp.

We also ordered the Baba Ghannouj ($5.85), which was nice, not overly processed, and without too much tahini, hit the spot.

 

This is where I failed twice as a food blogger; engrossed in my meal, I forgot to take photos of the pita bread (ok) and the wonderfully briney house made pickles. I loved those pickles, which edged on the briney side, but was great with the baba ghannouj on a pita. The young man helping with the tables noticed how much I loved these and asked me if I wanted more! At that point, George, Samia's husband started dropping by each table to see how the customers were enjoying their meal. You can tell that George and Samia really care about what they're serving.....

And since Samia told us that we "just had to try some dessert", I walked up to the counter, and asked the young man what we should have. He pointed to a tray in the cold case, pointed, and said "you have to try that, it is the best." Since I just saw a gentleman polish off one of these, then get two orders to go, I didn't need much more prompting..... we had the Aaysh Essaraya ($3.95):

 

Starting with a bed of slightly sweet, thick, clotted cream, on which laid a bread-bread-crumb like layer, topped with crumbled pistachios and fragrant rosewater, this was indeed quite good. No wonder they call this "bread of the mansion." Even I, not much of a fan of desserts really enjoyed this.

Needless to say, we'll be back. The food is reasonably priced(everything under $7), but you'll be tempted to get something to go. We saw two tables of two gentleman end up buying $55+ of food....they ate a good amount, and got even more to go......we were tempted to do the same....... George and Samia are so warm and friendly, they make the meal an even more enjoyable experience.

Alforon
5965 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Thanks again for the wonderful recommendation Christina!

Comments

[kat]

everything looks so yummy! and I love the prices too!

[Mary]

That dessert with the crust of pistachios looks really good... I'd want to go just for that!

[Stephen]

Kirk, sounds and looks good. I gotta drive further east on El Cajon Blvd. Looks like another good restaurant in the 'hood.
Thanks for the tip.

[Kirk]

Hi Kat - we really enjoyed our meal.

Hi Mary - You know, I'm not a big dessert person, but I enjoyed that.

Hi Stephen - This one is closer to College, it's worth a drive.

[Pete]

Thanks for promoting places around El Cerrito. Will have to go there for sure.

[Chubbypanda]

I've been getting into Middle Eastern food lately too. What region is their food from, specifically? Is it Lebanese?

[Soo]

Thanks for posting the menus! I like seeing what else is available.

[AZ]

I'm here reading daily, but to lazy to comment. Everything looked delish, and I had to chuckle when you admitted you were so into eating that you forgot to take photos. I always urge friends to photograph what they eat, I think the eats is 50% of a good trip or vacation.

[Kirk]

Hi CP - Yes, the food is basically Lebanese.

Hi Soo - This place is worth a visit.

Hi AZ - We were enjoying ourselves so much, that I actually forgot to take photos.... a very rare thing. ;o)

[Jenne]

This looks wonderful! Maybe we should go here for the next FOY dinner?

[Jenne]

PS the beer dinner was fantastic! Sorry we didn't have more time to chat.

[Kirk]

Hi Jenne - That's what I was thinking..... it's a tiny shop, so we'll have to plan well.

[Christina]

Hey Kirk - So glad you like the place. The food is great and how can you miss when the owners truly want you to have a great experience. I too am addicted to the pickles. I found out they pickle them in beet juice. Tip on the falafel, they are perfect outside of the wrap. The owner made me try one on it's own with a bit of tahini...just great.

The dessert is to die for. I wasn't sure I would like it, but once I started eating it, I didn't want to share!

Keep up the great reviews!

[Kirk]

Hi Christina - Thanks again for the recommendation. I'm craving those pickles....and want to try a bunch of other items on the menu! Your rec's are always on the money!

[Stephen]

Thanks for the post. I gotta go by there, since its in the 'hood. It looks really yummy. BTW, I drove past the location where Mariscos German used to be, and its gone. Not surprised, since the quality had kinda gone down hill. Just an FYI.

[Kirk]

Hi Stephen - Yes, please check out Alforon...I hope you enjoy the place. I noticed that MG wasn't there when I drove past last week too...but thought perhaps because it was a little late.