Need a New Po'boy

One of the first blog entries from last summer was about Gene's, a New Orleans, home cooking kind of place on East 11th. They had great shrimp po'boys that were a priority anytime I had a day off. Sadly, Gene closed up shop and moved back to New Orleans a couple of months ago. I was not consulted. That blog entry:

http://jaysummer4.blogspot.com/2008/06/return-to-genes.html


Through the grapevine, I'd heard of a new spot for po'boys. As unlikely as it may be, the name of this place is The Flying Falafel, located on The Drag next to UT. After I ordered my sandwich, I heard the young woman who had taken my order call back to "Mom" in the kitchen. This drew my interest. Typically, restaurants on The Drag are staffed by students who need work close to campus. I inquired if this was a family operated establishment.

Come to find out that "Mom" is from Jordan, and the now adult children were born in New Orleans. This explains the mixed menu of Middle Eastern and New Orleans foods. This family has been in Austin for a couple of years, so they are not Katrina evacuees. But they are nice addition to Austin, however they got here. I told them that I had been a fan of Gene's, which led to an on-the-spot compare and contrast between the old favorite and the new po'boy. For the record, The Flying Falafel's po'boy has more shrimp, and more sauce than Gene's, including a mixture of ketchup and mayo on one half of the bread. Different, but just as good, and very fresh.

The brother of the family joined in the conversation, and it turns out that they are considering moving into the old Gene's location, as a way to expand their business. You heard it here first. I gave them some semi-solicited advice : "Go for it." People are used to getting New Orleans food at the Gene's locale, and they can build on that base to turn people onto their Middle Eastern fare. I am admittedly in the tank for this little mom-and-pop (though I saw no sign of a "pop") restaurant.

Word on the street is that they have a killer Thursday lunch special. Carrie and I are planning to try it this week. It's one of "Mom's" recipes from Jordan. I'll let ya know.

Peace,

Jay