Business & Tech
New Middle Eastern Cafe Serves Up 300 Falafel Balls a Day
Takeout eatery sells lots of falafel balls and spicy rotisserie-broiled chicken pita sandwiches
Taiim Falafel Shack, a newly opened middle eastern eatery in Hastings, has customers waiting in line to order at lunchtime. "The response by the community been overwhelming," said Zamir Iosepovici, co-owner with his wife Kerri Jew. The owners are Hastings residents. The restaurant is located in the space on Warburton that was occupied by Comfort before its move across the street.
"When we opened,"Iosepovicisaid said, "a customer said we were the best idea he had seen for takeout in this area in years. That was encouraging."
The menu is primarily Mediterranean/middle eastern and includes Israeli and Jordanian specialties. One of the most popular sellers has been Chicken Shawarma, Iosepovici said. It is available as a sandwich ($7) or in a platter ($11). Chicken Shawarma is spiced boneless chicken that has been slowly broiled in a spinning rotisserie.
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Falafel has been in heavy demand. "Before we opened," Iosepovici remarked, "I had no idea we would sell 300 falafel balls a day." Falafel is deep-fried chickpeas with fresh herbs and spices. It can be ordered as a sandwich; it is also a choice for the vegetarian sampler plate (three selections for $10 or five for $14).
Many of the recipes were "home-grown" in the owners' kitchen. A few of the items on the menu are served at a restaurant called Zeina. [Zeina is a middle eastern restaurant in Highland Park, New Jersey in which the couple has an interest.]
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Besides falafel and Chicken Shawarma, other popular items are hummus, Babaghanouj, shish kebab and Israeli chopped salad. The children's menu offers a half-pita sandwich or hummus with carrot sticks and pita for $3.
Taiim Falafel Shack opened on July 21, 2010; it can accommodate eight patrons at tables and there is room for four or five people at a counter.
Taiim Falafel Shack is located at 598 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York NY 10706. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. No reservations. 914-478-0006. www.taiimfalafelshack.com.
