Bamiyan

358 3rd Ave @ 26th St, 212.481.3232

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Cost per person: $35
"YGWYPF" factor: 9/10 (you get what you pay for)
Food: 8.5/10
ambiance: 7/10

Surely, one Afghan place you can't go wrong with. Soma and I were a little bored with the Long Island fare of chain restaurants, and decided it was time we hit the streets of NYC. This was at the top of the list for Afghan in Citysearch, so it was a natural choice. I'm glad to say it did live up to the expectations.
Be sure to get a reservation if you are aiming for a weekend evening - and, if you are lucky, opt for one of the "bench" seats, which are "takia"s on the floor - sit down with your feet stretched, and the corner of 3rd and 26th beside you. We started off with a [Shir Chay Traditional Afghani Tea Brewed with Milk, Sugar, Cardamom Anbd Rose Petals] - straight from the streets of Calcutta - and a side of [Chutney Coriander, Walnuts, Garlic, Fresh Hot Green Peppers] to go with the complimentary Afghan bread. The [Dolma Ground Beef and Rice Seasoned with Parsley, Tarragon and Dill, Wrapped In Imported Grape Leaves and Steamed to Perfection] was  an excellent choice of appetizer. Our entrees, [Fesenjan Sweet and Sour Tender Pieces of Boneless Chicken, Cooked with Walnuts and Pomegranate Juice; served with White Basmati Rice] and [Combination Kabob 1/2 Skewer Each Barg, Koobideh, and Morgh; with Brown Basmati Rice and Salad], were spicy (spice-laden, not hot), savory, and very palatable. The combination kabob was really nice, and the basmati rice went well with it. The Fesenjan, on the other hand, was amazing - the rice really exotic, with alternating tastes of spicyness and sweetness, and the cornish hen kabobs were delicious.

We finished it off with a [Phirnee Creamy Rice-flour Pudding with Pistachios and Rose Water], while lazing in the cushions, watching the streets of Manhattan pass by a Saturday night. For the sake of completeness, I grabbed a Paan from the shop on the corner of Lex and 27th (next to the flower shop, on 27th).

Overall, highly recommended in Afghan.