Have just returned from a quick trot over to York’s respected Middle Eastern eatery, the redundantly named Falafel Hut Village. While I waited for my shawerma I engaged the proprietor in a topic of some concern to me, the superiority of garlic paste over tehina as a chicken shawerma topping. He related to me the interesting history of this condiment at York: when he first opened his doors he used to put a lot on his shawermas, under the impression that the students of York would appreciate this as we, enlightened Arabs, do. However, he received many complaints and now barely smears any on, since the non-Arab palate is not hardy enough to deal with a strong garlic taste. I suggested that maybe they didn’t want to breathe garlic fumes all over the school, but he insisted that it was their inferior taste buds. He now reserves the garlic for Arab customers.
I have to agree with him. His garlic is way too weak for my liking, supporting his finding really. I don’t want to malign poor Danny though, any racist emphasis in the above is mine.
I have to agree with him. His garlic is way too weak for my liking, supporting his finding really. I don’t want to malign poor Danny though, any racist emphasis in the above is mine.
Posted in: food
forsoothsayer
Unnecessary and not very diverting musings 
Basil Fawlty
April 19, 2006
Mmmm….garlic paste is the shizzle. Here’s the thing: North Americans and most Europeans don’t appreciate it. But the French fucking adore it. Ergo, it’s not a genetic taste bud failing, rather an acquired taste. It’s all behavioral and can be learned that way.I’ll give you an example: 90% of Egyptians NOT raised in the US (like me) cannot stomach 3 American flavors:1. Peanut butter.2. Dr. Pepper3. Root Beer
forsoothsayer
April 19, 2006
yeah ur right, i like peanut butter but it took me time. i hate root beer and dr. pepper. i would also add BBQ sauce.
Basil Fawlty
April 20, 2006
I love Barbeque sauce. But then again, being from Egypt, I’m technically African-American.I’d say sweet & sour is loathed by most Egyptians. Also, Sushi. I bought some for my mother and she cooked it.