Ever smell food so good, you just have to turn around from walking your dog and find out where it’s coming from? Or, you completely stop in your tracks because, whatever it is, you must eat it now?
That’s how I happened upon Joe’s Pita, on 14th street and 5th Ave. It was evening and I was walking back to the L train because I couldn’t find someone to cut my hair. There I was, with money in my hand – real money! Not credit cards or a sub-prime mortgage – and I couldn’t find one salon that would take me without an appointment. I felt sad, dejected, ugly. On the way back to the train, everyone was laughing and pointing at my split ends, telling secrets to each other and asking themselves how, oh HOW could she leave the apartment looking like THAT? And then, the familiar scent of falafel floated by. I looked around, anxious and salivating. There was a cute, lime green awning that said ‘Joe’s Pita.’ Was that always there? I don’t think so. I would’ve noticed it. I forgot about my hair and went in. Good decision.
Inside, it’s bright, clean and minimalist. The staff actually makes eye contact with you and responds when asked, “Hi. How are you?” instead of looking back with a blank stare. They serve Isreali style sandwiches, salads and soups. It’s great for vegetarians, too. And their falafel is Yum Yum Yummy. So good, I put off getting a haircut for two weeks, but I made sure to go back to Joe’s.
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