Is this the place with the brain sandwiches?
It is, I confirmed for World's Fare blogger Joe DiStefano; as with so many dining destinations in his home borough, he'd already been here, back when. A review of the menu board also revealed a sandwich starring sujok, presumably a less glamorous, more workmanlike rendition than at Tanoreen. I paid a call in the morning, though, and like the customers ahead of me took note of what was freshest from the oven: A snugly sealed spinach-onion pie ($1.75) was wonderfully moist inside, with an elusive note of sweetness. Also shown below: a baklava lagniappe.
El Shater
43-02 43rd Ave. (at 43rd St.), Sunnyside, Queens
718-392-2702
Always liked this place.
It's also just around the corner from Bix Beiderbeck's last known residence. There's actually a plaque on the building.
Word has it that Bix dug brain sandwiches as well.
P.
Posted by: Polecat | January 26, 2010 at 08:51 AM
This place has great olives, too. Although the ones at Massis (Romanian market half a block west of El Shater on 43rd ave) are less expensive. And Massis also has really great cured sausages!
Posted by: lm | January 26, 2010 at 09:20 AM
this has the absolute best Babaganoush I've ever had in the history of infinity. It is amazing. Get it with some of the flat bread.
I also like the falafel and the shawarma but it's very very hit or miss. The falafel is usually microwaved or room temp and the shawarma is rarely hot off the spit. With Mangal 2 blocks away I don't order lunch here anymore. Also I have never had a good piece of baklava, it's always stale tasting, and they say they bake it themselves.
They have a decent feta selection, and good olives. But the baba is so incredible, anytime I have a get together with friends I am now expected to bring at least 2 lbs.
Am I being clear? Is is that good.
Posted by: nick | February 10, 2010 at 12:43 PM