Garlic Lovers Corner

My lovely bride and I arrived at the Garlic Lovers Corner for an early dinner on Friday night. We found the restaurant nearly full and bustling. This was a welcome site as we feared during earlier visits that the location and name may do this little oasis in before it was discovered by North Greenbush locals.

Since the Garlic Lovers does not present an abundance of garlic in its middle eastern cuisine we thought the name might put off new customers in search of an Italian eatery. But, it is in a corner. It is located unidealy as the last store front in a small strip of stores on Route 4. The official address is 235 N. Greenbush Road but it is still Route 4. It is a mile or so north of Hudson Valley Community College.

We have been rooting for success for this small endeavor because owner Nabil Assadship is earnest and pleasing. We had the chance to speak with him at length when the restaurant first opened and were charmed by his graciousness. The service is busy but welcoming and friendly. Most important, the food was surprisingly interesting and flavorful. While we want the Garlic Lovers to keep it's doors open, we don't want to lose our favorite table.

Our latest visit was no different from previous sojourns. The quiet atmosphere was relaxing and feels as though you may have stepped through a Narnia closet door. The atmosphere is created by softened cloths hung attactively from the ceiling, woods, irons and warmly tiled floor. We were seated quickly and relaxed with our menus including a list of specials. We knew in advance to bring our favorite bottle of wine. The Garlic Lovers Corner does not yet have a liquor license which is a great loss for the financial success of the restaurant but a big win for diners. They are happy to open your wine and appear with glasses without an extra fee.

I chose both my appetizer and entree from the special menu. The $6 Empanada was presented in a perfect pastry with ground beef, olives and raisins. It was lightly fried and accompanied by a spike sour cream that was sprinkled with cilantro. The spiked sour cream was a real plus and shared appreciatively. For an entree I had Iberian Shrimp, Scallops and Chorizo for $20. The shrimp was sharply seasoned and set off nicely from the mild but tasty scallops that had absorbed the savory broth. The spicy chorizo sausage and chick peas created a similar complimentary pairing.

Other specials for the evening included Grilled Mahi Mahi for $18 and Chicken Dijon for $16.

The permanent partner had crab cakes appetizer. There was less pepper than I expected but appropriate for our dinner. It was a nice, light, flaky crab meat with a mild flavor. Moroccan Stew was her entree choice. The combination of seasonings created a pleasing, drool producing, aroma. The lamb was tender and perfectly done as the center piece of the dish. The flavors were a light mixture of chick peas, okra, sweet potato's, potato's, onions, baby spinach and diced tomatoes. They were all stewed in a cinnamon / curry sauce that penetrated the vegetables. Nice dish.

Each prior trip has earned the same raves. The restaurant has continued to improve in service.

Garlic Lovers Corner is open Monday - Saturday 11:00-3:00 Lunch; 4:30-9:00 Dinner. 518-283-1621.