I had actually already eaten dinner when I passed Gazala Place on Ninth Ave. I was actually strolling along with my vegan tofu soft serve from Kyotofu, ambling slowly enough to eat and walk at the same time. So the New York Times article posted in the window was the perfect reason to stop, and then convince me that I needed a snack.
And I’m glad I did. Gazala Place specializes in Drusian food, the cuisine of a religious tribe in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. The regional influence is there (hummus, grape leaves, etc.) but there are also some dishes I’ve never tried, like burekas, big fluffy phyllo pastries stuffed with goat cheese and roasted peppers. I picked two up, along with some hummus. They were good enough that I had to introduce Tammy to Drusian food the very next night.
Go Drusian. It’s just enough off the Mediterranean beaten path that you’ll feel cool, while still being familiar enough for cautious eaters. And you can add a new ‘Have you ever…’ to your ethnic food list. Betcha no one else you know has gone Drusian.
unidentifiable but delicious Drusian food
Tags: Druse, Drusian food, Gazala Place
