$$$$Price: Moderate • Mediterranean • East Village
Sherif was really great and the staff who seemed to work with him were caring, attentive and great at their jobs. Balade really went far to make people feel happy at Christmas. The only challenge (often in small restaurants on holidays) is the outrageous number of undisciplined kids, out way too late, and dogs now. It's too much and next time I won't go there on a holiday. If I have a dog sitting next to me, I'll graciously ask for a check after the first drink and go. I love dogs, but they do not belong in restaurants unless it is outdoor seating and people put restaurants on the spot with this act of absolute self-involved entitlement. This is the rude world we live in now however. My only concern and it didn't ruin our meal only because the staff was so completely great and I was distracted with the wonderful vibe.