Falafel Shack Opens Today on Warburton Avenue

Have you ever had an insatiable craving for falafel but had no idea where to get it? The dilemma will soon be solved.

A mideastern eatery called Taiim Falafel Shack is opening Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Hastings,  filling the space on Warburton once occupied by Comfort.

Taiim brings falafel, hummus, Babaghanouj, shish kebab and other Mediterranean/mideastern foods including Israeli and Jordanian specialties. Primarily, the dishes provided by the new restaurant are intended for takeout, but Taiim Falafel Shack also has limited seating - its tables can accommodate eight patrons and there is room for four more at a counter. The owners, Kerri Jew and her husband Zamir Iosepovici are Hastings residents.

Falafel is deep-fried chickpeas with fresh herbs and spices; hummus is made by mixing chickpeas gently with lemon, tahini and spices; Babaghanouj combines charbroiled eggplant with lemon, tahini and spices.

"The food we are preparing is much the same food we cook and eat at home," Jew said. "Plus a few of the dishes served at Zeina," which is a Middle Eastern restaurant in Highland Park, New Jersey.

Vegetarian and meat sandwiches are accompanied by lettuce, tomato, pickled turnips and a hot sauce if desired - the sandwiches are served in white or whole-wheat pita pockets, for the more health-conscious.

Three vegetarian sandwiches (falafel, hummus and Babaghanouj) are available at $5 each. Other sandwiches cost $7 and are filled with Chicken Shawarma or chicken, lamb or beef kebab. Chicken Shawarma is spiced boneless chicken that has been slowly broiled in a spinning rotisserie.

Regular customers will receive punch cards to track sandwich purchases. Each six sandwiches bought will qualify the cardholder for a seventh one free.

Meat platters and vegetarian sampling combinations are also available; they come with a choice of side dishes and typically range in price from $10 to $13. Salads and sides abound and include: Israeli chopped salad, Tabbouleh, spinach/feta pie and stuffed grape leaves. Tabbouleh is made from finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, onions and fine cracked wheat blended with lemon and spices.

Salads are available in small ($4) or large ($7) portions. Sides include Israeli-style French fries (thin and crispy) at $3 and yellow rice ($3 to $5 depending on portion size). Desserts are house-made; they are typically priced at $3 and feature moist, delicious Baklava. Beveragehighlights are are: imported Israeli juice, Turkish coffee ($2) and Turkish tea ($1.50).

Lunch specials come with a beverage and are priced at $5 and $7. Children's meals cost $3. All prices include sales tax.

Catering service is available for social events and corporate affairs.

Taiim Falafel Shack is located at 598 Warburton Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York NY 10706. it is open on Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Reservations are not accepted. 914-478-0006. www.taiimfalafelshack.com.