Homemade hummus photo by powerplantop.
Little did we know when we posted a story about new Mediterranean restaurant Bustan that it would spark a raging debate about hummus. Readers weighed in with great gusto on this post and especially this one to address whether hummus could possibly be worth $11.
All the hubbub got back to the restaurant, and a publicist there proposed a tasting.
And…it’s ON!
We set up a taste test for West Side Rag readers next Tuesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.
One thing: there are just eight seats available, and we’ll be picking people based on how quickly you respond. So send an email with the words “hummus test” in the subject line to info@westsiderag.com.
UPDATE: We now have enough tasters. Thanks to everyone who wrote in. We’ll be having more events like this soon. We will post the results of the taste test on West Side Rag.
A tasting for only 8 persons! Never heard of that. Sounds ultra selective just for hummus. Not hard to find on the UWS these days.
Your writer left out something I am sure the new restaurant’s PR team would like to be included: its address.
I am sure you have heard of the Googles, as have a lot of Upper West Siders.
Can we get an idea of how this will work? Is it just going to be people sampling the Bustan hummus and saying whether it’s worth $11, or what?
We’re still working on all the details, but we’re planning on having multiple kinds of hummus from local restaurants and stores.
Avi
Right on. I wish my work hours allowed me to attend, but look forward to the results of Hummus Throwdown 2014.
I’m confused – the ‘tasting’ is a taste of just one version of hummus? So there’s no control group or side-by-side comparison? That doesn’t sound like a debate.
I doubt it’s supposed to be a “debate.” I’m guessing it’s just an opportunity to sample their hummus.
I’ve had the Bustan hummus and it’s delicious. And IMO $11 is not unreasonable, given the fact that it’s in a nice UWS restaurant, accompanied by nice homemade flatbread, etc. But I’m guessing certain readers of the WSR would diss the hummus regardless of what it tastes like, merely because it is $11.
Check out the prices of hummus throughout the city in much more pricey neighborhoods and you will see it priced between $6 and $8. I have never ordered hummus at a restaurant and not been given homemade bread.
11 bucks? I don’t know – I do know a heavy handed PR stunt when I read one.
A tasting involving 8 people and a community newsletter is an overblown PR stunt?
I am thrilled that Bustan proposed a tasting! They are so quirky and funny. I enjoyed Hey Mambo, but can see Bustan being even more successful. I’m looking forward to the results of the tasting!
On the UWS, bland factory-made hummus sells at the grocery store for $7. $4 more for fresh hummus, fresh flatbread, and a nice dining experience is not crazy. Get over your outrage.
Here here, vmm!
I think this is quite cool, that the restaurant is engaging a bit with the neighborhood, PR or not. I am looking forward to hearing about it.
I had the hummus and a number of other plates. Pricey, average taste, really slow service. There’s better places …