Did You Say Healthy Comfort Food?

Sometimes you need comfort food. You know the drill - macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, hot fudge sundaes, and on it goes.

What makes it comfort food is its rich, soothing intake and the solid way it lands in your gut. The downsides to such are obvious.

But what if you could find comfort food that totally insulated you from life's harshest realities and yet didn't cost a fortune in either calories, fat or $$$?

I've got it.

It's hummus fava from the Hummus Place (http://www.hummusplace.com/) I love it for the warm, freshly made chickpeas and the puffy whole wheat pita. Not alot of chewing required - just the tender inhalation of food that tastes rich and creamy yet is neither. (Not a speck of dairy!) And wait, there are condiments too - delicious Mediterranean pickles (yes, they're different than your garden variety dill) and you can ask for and very graciously receive a ramekin of hot sauce flecked with herbs that will make the whole dish pop.

I also love the Shakshuka with its eggs stewing in a rich mix of tomatoes, peppers and onions. It comes in its very own skillet, fragrant with spice. When I am served, I don't need men, well-balanced children or money in the bank. Alas, at some point, the afterglow wears off and you must confront your collapsed 401 K. But no rush, there. Take as long as you need to digest.

They've got a lunch special that runs until 5 on weekdays: $7.50 for a main course hummus with one terrific appetizer like stuffed grape leaves bathed in yogurt mint sauce or crunchy health salad.

If you can't get to New York City, reach for the mac and cheese. Me? I can't wait to get back to the Hummus Place.