Raw Kibbeh studded with onions, a Saturday special at Zeina’s in Utica
A family schedule conflict threatens to keep us from attending the World Refugee Day Celebration in Utica this Saturday, June 16. But I assume you’re going, so I will share my strategy for scoring maximum ethnic cuisine throughout the day.
Plan to arrive between 9 and 10 and head for Lucky Mey’s Market for egg rolls, pre-made bahn mi and whatever else you want for your cooler. (Don’t forget your cooler!) Mey is from Cambodia and her Asian store gets excellent reviews on Google and was the subject of this local newspaper article. They usually run out of egg rolls, which is why Lucky Mey’s is first on our list. Open at 9 am.
Then, breakfast at Lejla and Ajla Coffee Shop, a Bosnian place at 331 South Street. (These are Google links so you can map your day.) Get a pastry and some coffee, assuming they are open. (I drove by there on my last visit without realizing it was a going business.) Don’t get too full because you are going to across the street to Zwe Ka Bin Burmese Tea and Snack Shop. When I stopped in previously they said they could make me fried rice or noodle salad; I was interested in the latter but would also see if there are more options. (There is no menu and the counter person doesn’t have much English.) And while in the neighborhood, pop into Aye Tue Asian Market next to Lejla and Alja, and see if they have anything interesting to take out. (Google says Aye Tue is at 335 James Street and opens at 10; don’t know if this is a different branch and they have moved, but you will find out.)
By now it’s close to noon, so let’s go to Kennedy Plaza (the lawn outside city hall) for the festival. I don’t have an hour by hour schedule; the two big events we want to see are the citizenship ceremony (sure to put a lump in your throat) and the international fashion show in which populations will show off their native dress. Hopefully these are toward the beginning. There will be a number of food trucks at the event including Snoop Dogz (which will be serving Bosnian-style Cevapi in addition to its usual hamburgers and hot dogs), Saritas (Spanish food with an American twist) and Korean Kuisine, as well as Utica Coffee Roasting and Gloria’s Ice Cream, I’m hoping there will also be sidewalk vendors selling foods, like the church ladies at Buddhist festivals I’m used to in California, but guessing there will not be.
After the festival, we’ll have a mid afternoon snack of raw kibbeh studded with chunks of onion (see photo, which I borrowed from Jennifer Ann on Facebook) at Zeina’s Cafe, a Lebanese place. This dish is only served on Saturday and you might want to call ahead and see if they have ample quantities and if not reserve a dish or two for your party. Then, before heading out, stock up on some of Utica’s better known ethnic specialties: tomato pie and house-made sausage at Roma Sausage and Deli (if you want a whole pie, call ahead). I also want to stop at Mello’s Subs for an Italian Mix for the cooler, based on a picture I saw on Instagram of a line out the door. Note that Roma closes at 4:30, Mello’s at 6 pm. Also, if you’re thirsty stop into Saranac Matt Brewing Company where a tour costs $5 and includes at least one beer and probably more at the end.
If you still have time and appetite, check our earlier post for even more ethnic eating suggestions. You’re in for a great day. Please report back on what you discover and taste!
I did a semester at mvcc in ’83. Mello Testa was my landlord. I lived upstairs from him.
Well, that is an awesome coincidence. Upstairs from the sub shop? How often did you eat there? How were they? Any specific ordering tips?
Upstairs apartment in his house. I was a stupid 17yo. I had a loud Strat and a loud stereo and he never complained (unlike the neighbor down the block). I don’t remember eating at his shop, but I do remember Joe Bonamassa’s dad insisting I play a D-28 in his, even though I made it clear I couldn’t afford it.
Wait a minute. You are saying Joe Bonamassa’s dad had a music store in Utica? Wikipedia said he was born in New Hartford so I guess so. And he would have been about 7 years old at that point? And he opened for BB King when he was 12? So how good was he at 7? And how did that Martin sound BTW?