Gazala Place

Though other groups in the region tend to dominate the minds of Americans, many Middle Easterners hold the Druze in special regard. Not because of anything about their beliefs, but because of their food. In New York, there is only one place to go for Druze cooking --- Gazala Place, a teeny tiny restaurant in Hell's Kitchen. Gazala Halabi is there every day, making the fresh breads that are her specialty.

Bourekas are savory pastries, round loaves stuffed with cheese and other treats. We got ours with spinach and feta, which made for crusty-gooey goodness. We also had tender, smoky lamb with hummus and a mohamar, a small pita topped with peppers, tomato, onion, and house spices, a little bite that packed a huge punch.