Loving the BITE: The Big Daddy’s Falafel Wrap

13
Oct
2011

We’re doing something a little bit differently for today’s Loving the BITE.  Thursday’s are usually the day that our resident sports nutritionist, Kelli, provides you with another one of her fantastically healthy recipes along with the details on why it is good for you.  But today I’m going to post a review about the fantastic falafel wrap I had over at Big Daddy’s here in Austin.

Our family first discovered Big Daddy’s a couple of months ago and immediately became huge fans of their amazing food and great service.  You wouldn’t think that a vegetarian eater like me would dig a burger and bar type joint…..but Big Daddy’s is different.  Every burger on the menu can be made using their homemade veggie burger, and I can tell you that it is the best that I’ve ever tasted.  On top of that, they have falafel on the menu….and with me being the biggest falafel nut out there, you just know that I was super impressed.  I am Fuelled by Falafel, remember?

I loved Big Daddy’s so much that I contacted the owner to see if they’d be interested in being a sponsor over here at Loving the Bike.  They liked what we were doing and I loved their food….and the relationship was sealed.  But as always, you know that any review or recommendation we give over here on this site is completely genuine and 100% pure….so even though they are a sponsor, we love Big Daddy’s for who they are and not because of the sponsorship.

Okay, time to get into the review of the Falafel Wrap.  You know, I’ve always thought it would be cool to be a food critic….and now I’m actually getting my chance.  As I mentioned, I was very impressed that Big Daddy’s had falafel on the menu and my first question for Executive Chef, Justin Trapani, was to find out what inspired that decision.  It turns out that when Justin was younger he spent six months living in Greece.  Living in Athens and travelling the country led to a love affair with the Mediterranean flavors of the country and he knew he had to incorporate them into the menu.

in all my menu designs i try to include some signature mediterranean/greek/turkish elements. you’ll find these in our fry-spice, gyro-burger, kebabs, pita appetizer, chickpea caesar salad, and of course the falafel was a logical choice, since, though i take pride in our veggie burger (which also has a mediterranean flavor profile), a burger place can never have too few vegetarian options.

In all my menu designs I try to include some signature mediterranean/greek/turkish elements.  You’ll find these in our fry-spice, gyro-burger, kebabs, pita appetizer, chickpea caesar salad, and of course the falafel was a logical choice.
Justin also shared with me some of the ingredients that go into his falafel and seeing as I make my own at home each and every week, I’ve already incorporated some of this into my own recipe.  Here is how Justin explains his creation:
The recipe is a pretty standard one, obviously comprised mostly of garbanzo beans, and including fresh herbs, lemon juice, olive oil and tahini. One slant may be that we use confited garlic (cooked slowly into a rich, succulent texture) instead of raw, which adds a particular smoky-sweetness that very few other preparations can achieve.

I do consider myself an expert on the taste of falafel and most definitely am giving the Big Daddy’s wrap a great review.  The flavor and consistency of the falafel was perfect, and the way it was all put together in a wrap that didn’t fall apart was fantastic.  There was just enough zing to the taste without making me self-conscious of my breath following the meal….sometimes those Mediterranean flavors can do a number on your taste buds.

I give the Big Daddy’s falafel wrap a ranking of 9 tastebuds out of 10…is that corny or what?  Whether you’re a falafel connoisseur or not….I recommend you checking this wrap out.  Be sure to visit Big Daddy’s if you live in the Austin area or are coming to town.  You won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy Your Ride

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8 Responses to “ Loving the BITE: The Big Daddy’s Falafel Wrap ”

  1. DAKIR on October 13, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    I think you did a great job as your first time being a food critic.  Excellent post.  I’m with Steve, you’ve sold me and I will be sure to go to Big Daddy’s the next time we go out to eat.  Thanks.

    • Darryl is Loving the Bike on October 13, 2011 at 12:53 pm

      Thanks for this…..I really think it would be cool to be a food critic.  But it would all have to be vegetarian.  Maybe I can be a professional falafel critic….that would be cool.

  2. Bike The Islands on October 13, 2011 at 11:57 am

    You’re making me hungry, dude.  I am heading over for one of these right now.  You don’t think I’m serious do you?  I’ll let you know my review of their falfel in a couple hours.

  3. Steve Miner on October 13, 2011 at 11:43 am

    Okay, you’ve sold me.  Not sure if I’ll try the falafel, but I know my girlfriend will want to order it.  I’m more of a regular hamburger lover so I’ll go for one of those.  This was a very nice review.

  4. Sam J. on October 13, 2011 at 11:39 am

    I love falafel.  Is it as good as the one at Flying Falafel?  I also love veggie burgers so I just might have to try that place out.  Do they offer a discount to UT Students?

    • Darryl is Loving the Bike on October 13, 2011 at 11:42 am

      Hi Sam, thanks for checking out the review.  I’ve never actually been to Flying Falafel, but I have tried quite a few other places (not in Austin) and some have been comparable to the one at Big Daddy’s.  Try it out and then let me know how it compares.  I’m not sure about the UT discount but I can check on that for you.  They do play the UT games in there, though.

  5. Ricky on October 13, 2011 at 11:36 am

    I was happy to see this post today.  I’ve heard about Big Daddy’s, but didn’t know very much about it.  I’ll be heading over there very soon.

  6. Amanda Gale Kotyk on October 13, 2011 at 7:10 am

    Mmm….I might have to seriously try the falafel wrap next time we’re at Big Daddy’s….I’ll see if it’s as good as their awesome veggie burger!!  Sounds delicious!! 

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Question: I am using the homebrew sugar formulations (sometimes added to green tea).  I am also trying to wean myself off 1/2 dose adrenalean “lip tonic delivery system” (biorhythm brand- caffeine, hoodia g, synephrine, yohimbe) capsule for energy.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

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Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out.  Have you tried either of these?  Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.

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