Sepal finally opened yesterday in east arlington and we went there tonight. after nice cold walk down our block, it was refreshing not to see that yellow kalok sign. i had met the owner the other day (Walid) when i was looking at the place, and he greeted us warmly and gave us some samples of soup and felafel. the soup was red lentil and it was delicious. it reminded me of split pea but it was brothier and richer tasting and i ordered a cup ($2). i ordered a combo of felafel and grape leaves ($6) and linda ordered the felafel and fatoush salad ($7.25). the grape leaves were warm and filled with rice, chick peas, and vegetables. i will definitely be getting them again. the felafel was very good. he makes the mix from chick peas with 8 fresh vegetables and herbs every day and fries them up crispy and not greasy at all. mine came with a tahini sauce that could have had more flavor and a medium hot sauce that added a welcome kick. felafel can be ordered baked and he gave us one to try. it was dry and not nearly as tasty. the fatoush salad was made from romaine lettuce with pita croutons and had a nice light dressing. Sepal is vegetarian and Walid was always commenting on the digestability of the food, and the nutritional values. he even showed us printed charts with the nutritional breakdown (calories, protein, etc) of his entrees. we were told of the benefits of the hot sauce (cayenne based, good for circulation). he definitely has a strong view on eating healthily. service is on paper plates with plastic utensils. it has a sub shop feel as the decor was left over from the previous place, knotty pine paneling, formica tables, plastic chairs and benches in the booths and overly bright flourescent lights. he has done some cleanup of the outside and plans changes for the inside as it has nowhere to go but up. there is plenty of free parking in the lot and it is easy to find on broadway on the corner of everett st., between the citgo and friendly's. i will be making it a regular place since i like felafel in general and their's in particular and it is so close to home. the price is good too with various sandwiches (felafel, baba ghanouj, tabouli, hummous) are only $4.75. all items can be bought in bulk by the pound. all in all, a good addition to the arlington restaurant scene and a great replacement for the not missed kalok. uri
Boston, MA