Falafel Bar: A Mediterranean Eatery opens second Western New York location
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The recipes may have come from across the globe, but the meals are prepared fresh at the new Falafel Bar - A Mediterranean Eatery, in Amherst.

Oded Rauvenpoor, chef and owner, said he prides his restaurant on serving fresh, large portions of food at a reasonable price.

"I believe, first of all, this is an eatery," the Israeli native said, adding that Middle Eastern culture believes strongly in hospitality. "We appreciate everyone; each customer is more like family."

Rauvenpoor opened his first location four years ago on Elmwood Avenue. The new Amherst location, 3689 Sheridan Drive, near Millersport Highway, opened Oct. 5.

With a large clientele base from Amherst, it seemed like the obvious location for a second restaurant, he said. Years ago, when Rauvenpoor owned The Greek in Depew, he had many patrons drive there from Amherst.

"If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be who we are," he said.

Described as a Mediterranean eatery, the restaurant includes falafel, hummus, maza, souvlaki, salads and wraps on its menu. One of the Falafel Bar's specialities is shawarma, a vertical rotisserie method.

He said the menu features foods from around the Middle East and north Africa but with a more moderate flavor than usually associated with those regions.

"American and Israeli palates are similar," Rauvenpoor said, meaning they tend to like "lighter" spices.

All the food is prepared with fresh ingredients. The chickpeas for the hummus aren't from a can, the lettuce for the salads isn't from a bag, and the olives and feta cheese are imported.

"The food is authentic, made from scratch," he said, describing his kitchen as "old school" cooking.

Trained by the French Culinary Institute, Rauvenpoor met his wife, a native of Cheektowaga, in New York City. After living overseas and then in Oregon, the couple moved back to Western New York with their children.

He said he is already planning a third location, possibly a bakery where all the pitas, desserts and other baked goods for the two Falafel Bars would be prepared.

Both locations are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. Takeout is available at both locations.

"Just look for the orange building," Rauvenpoor said.

The Amherst location can be reached at 831-3980.

e-mail: jfinch@beenews.com