I met Jamal in his food truck after a couple of drinks on Bogart street while walking to the L train. I asked him what I could get for the $5 bill I had in my wallet and he said a gyro. I started talking to him while he cooked.
Sara: How long have you been in this cart for?
Jamal: Oh, about 8 months.
S: Do you like interacting with the people of Bushwick?
J: I’m happy to serve the customers, and I bring the best quality food. I make the best gyro, and other than this I have the best customer service.
S: Of course you do! You’re toasting my pita!
J: Then if you tell me: “How long, you think, in the future to be in this business?” I’ll say “Honey, no, my wish is to own a big restaurant and to do the same menu as this one!” Why? Because now I have a small cart and it doesn’t give me as much freedom.
S: So you want to own a big restaurant?
J: Once I save some money, yes.
“Whoever doesn’t come to see New York, they miss the big things.”
S: The American Dream, right?
J: The American Dream! Yes! Everyone is wishing for America to be the best!
S: Did you grow up in New York?
J: No, I grew up in Toronto.
S: Toronto! Oh my goodness! Do you miss Canada?
J: Well Canada is my heart, yes of course.
S: Is that where all your family is?
J: Yes, but Canada hasn’t changed, that’s all. New York is a different test.
S: It’s a different test, what do you like about New York?
J: Whoever doesn’t come to see New York, they miss the big things.
S: Do you feel like you’re seeing the big things?
J: Yeah, I’m in New York! Nothing but New York!
S: Nothing but New York!
He asked me what sauce I wanted and I asked for tzatziki. Jamal recommended a little bit of green sauce and a little bit of hot sauce which I gladly accepted. As a testament to his cooking and customer service, it was the best gyro I’ve ever had.
