Chickpeas Chickpeas Checkplease

My affinity for chickpeas blossomed over the years.  I can't explain why or how, but I am certainly glad to bring this protein into my life.  Below are some of the best falafel lunches around and if you have any suggestions let me know, my lunch plans for tomorrow are TBD.

Roti- A new addition to the DC lunch crowd.  I've heard it referred to as the "Mediterranean Chipotle" and I disagree.  This is not to say Roti isn't great, it just doesn't leave you overwhelmingly full like Chipotle.  The first time I went I made the mistake of ordering the spicy sauce.  I love spicy, but this was way too spicy for me. A dollop and I was defeated, finito, caput.  I'm convinced there is some form of sriracha in the sauce. Anyway, lets talk about the falafel. I've never had falafel like this before.  A bit mushier (I never claimed my blog was scientific!)  than others, but I enjoyed the mix of mashed and whole chickpeas.  My only complaint is they are too salty. All and all great falafels, decent price, and close to my office. Win, win, win.

Maoz- A rather new addition to DC. A simple menu that focuses on one food...falafel! You can get a pita or salad with falafel and that's pretty much it. The falafel is good, but I've had better. What really keeps me coming back is the unlimited toppings bar.  It varies slightly from day to day, but usually offers carrots, beets, olives, tabuli, spicy onoins, coleslaw, and the pièce de résistance tomato and cucumber salad.  After I pile high my topping I add a little yogurt/garlic sauce and voila! A must are the sweet potato fries and apple juice (freshly squeezed).

In a perfect world, I would combine the falafel of Roti and the unlimited salad bar of Maoz.