Let me tell you a little story about this fantastic eatery/smokery. Its Friday night, you just got home and your looking for a little something to wet your whistle. You think, hey maybe I'll walk down to Avenue C to check out Layala, I've heard nothing but good things. You traverse the 7 block walk in the pouring rain only to find out its more like hunka bunka than a place to eat. No go. Now what??? Ok be calm, we'll just walk over to Avenue A, maybe we'll get lucky and get a seat at Yuca Bar......nope 30 minute wait? You have to be kidding me. Now what? Ok so Im soaking wet, parched and starving. Still in the mood for some Lebanese and a hookah, in the back of my mind i realize that there is a new mediterannean spot just across the street from the homefront that could scratch that itch. But wait, its never crowded, it just opened and could be expensive. Ah well, lets give it a shot, now being the risk taker that I am but not wanting to throw away a friday night meal I was torn. We make the trek back around to 13th and A. And as I walk into Al Diwan a sudden calmness comes over my soul. This is it, this is where I was SUPPOSED to spend my friday night. 2 hours later the hookah was still rocking, the hummus blew my mind, and whatever it is that I had for dinner was perfect, although I couldn't finish it. The red was a classic Australian Cabernet Sauvignon with a very affordable price tag, For a young Cab, it produced a fresh, palate-friendly wine with soft tannins, boasting both visual and pairing appeal. Check. After our dining excursion we spoke with manager, ""Boss"" or somebody who clearly had some pull. Come to think of it, he may just have been the salad boy, but who knows. Anyways he was friendly serene gentleman who was ecstatic to here our comments about our delightful evening. In the back of my mind I was hoping he'd remember us for next time and perhaps comp us a free hookah or something. 1.5 thumbs up!! (lost half a thumb in 'nam."")
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