East Side Pockets
Falafel, Gyro, Greek Salad, Jedra, Tzatziki, Hummus, Tahini, Syrian Bread
Baklava
Making the best of its College Hill location and frequently cited as one of Providence’s best Eateries it was the day after Christmas that three guests visited East Side Pockets, the lack of University students cutting down on lines though the shop certainly was not hurting for business.
Small in size but sporting a big reputation, its mention in Esquire’s 2008 “The Best Sandwiches in America” hanging proudly on the wall, East Side Pockets offers traditional Middle Eastern Cuisine by way of counter-service, the close confines and concise menu expediting ordering while a kitchen in full view works with fervor turning out Falafel, Kebobs, Wraps, Soups and Salads all made on-site.
Fairly priced and focused, a variety of Plate Dinners and Platters allowing diners to enjoy variety at less than $10 a head, it was by way of one $9.03 container that three Dips, Salad, Bread and Rice with Lentils joined Falafel plus Gyro Meat, the Chickpea Fritters cleverly designed with a hole to cook all the way through while at the same time remaining virtually Grease-free.
Also impressed by the Gyro, thicker cuts than most keeping nicely-seasoned Beef and Lamb moist, it is unfortunate that both Hummus and Tahini trend thin while Tzatziki is much better, the soft Syrian Bread also performing well and not as filling as Pita which leaves plenty of room to taste one of several styles of Baklava – the traditional triangle on this day a little soggy but both the cylinder and bird’s nest crisp with plenty of Nuts and enough Honey to be sweet but not overwhelmingly-so.
www.eastsidepocket.com
