Moving Boxes To The Rescue
By Monica Yoo 
November 9, 2010 
12 Comments
Before I dive into this, I’d like to share that it’s finally beginning to feel like fall in Houston! The temperatures are dipping into the cool 70s (and upper 60s), and I can finally walk outside wearing a long-sleeved shirt without feeling silly. Spirits are high and I’ve noticed that there are more car windows rolled down on the streets than I’ve seen in a long, long time. I realize this may seem trivial for those from the north, but it’s a big deal down here in Texas! Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
If you’re a Houstonian, there’s a very good chance that you’ve been to or at least heard of Phoenicia Deli. However, for those unfamiliar, it is a Mediterranean eatery, very well known for its authentic dishes like their shawarma sandwiches. It’s one of those local joints that have such good food, people happily drive 45 minutes to swing by and pick up a to-go order. That’s saying a lot. What was once a small little deli in a shopping strip that opened in 1983, has now grown into an impressive, modern and chic deli. Phoenicia Deli recently moved to a new location on the other side of Westheimer and to show their appreciation for how Houston’s community has been supportive of them, they are hosting a food drive to benefit the Houston Food Bank, just in time for Thanksgiving.
How To Get Involved. Swing by their new location to pick up one, two or several of their moving boxes and fill them up with non-perishable food. When the boxes are full and ready, drop them back off by November 22. Phoenicia Deli will weigh each box and match donations pound-for-pound, up to 1,000 pounds. As an added bonus, the two heaviest donations will win a Phoenicia Deli catered lunch for up to 25 people.
To give you a taste of what Phoenicia Deli has to offer, let your eyes peruse the following:
My initial reaction when I saw these little bowls of goodness was “WOW!” I loved the vibrant colors and the contrast in textures between each bowl. I had the hardest time deciding which one to try first, but once I did, I was pleased. The babaganouj, which is a roasted eggplant dip had a delicate texture and flavorful punch. Good eggplant hits the spot – yum! The next item I absolutely fell in love with was the tzatziki sauce. The light and creamy consistency with the cool freshness of the mint and cucumber, I swear is one of the best I’ve had…ever.
Next up, I tried the lamb shawarma bowl. Ooh wee, was that good! Not only did the flavors pop in your mouth, the consistency of the lamb was amazing. Perfectly moist and delicate. My eyes wanted to eat more the entire bowl, but I refrained.
This beauty is called Arpi Salad, named after Arpi Tcholakian, the founder of Phoenicia Deli. Being the visual person that I am, I was totally ready to stab my fork into this colorful garden of vegetables when this landed on the table. With several different vegetables, nuts and cheeses this is one hearty and healthy salad.
Last, but not least, the dessert! I don’t have much of a sweet tooth but I have to admit, I couldn’t wait to try the Chocolava-wich. It’s a chocolate hazelnut baklava filled with chocolate hazelnut gelato, topped with chocolate syrup, toasted hazelnuts and pistachio powder. I had to process what was all in this for several seconds to brace myself for the mind-blowing goodness that was about to happen in T-minus 5 seconds. I carefully scooped up a bit of the gelato, the baklava and a single toasted hazelnut to ensure I got the full and perfect Chocolava-wich experience. Was it good? Oh yeah.
Houstonians, come on over to Phoenicia Deli to pick up boxes and support the Houston Food Bank. Your effort and donations will be greatly appreciated times two, because Phoenicia Deli will be matching your donations!
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delicious pictures
Thanks! The food was as good as they looked.
I`m drooling! I live on a small island with no take-out (except for fries and burgers from the pub)…sometimes I really miss great ethnic food! Theresa
I love my burgers and fries, but like you said, ethnic food hits the right spot when you want a change from the norm. What’s also great is that it’s really healthy too!
i loved the photos.. we call that meat “döner” in Turkey, “kavurma” different type of meat , next week we will celebrate sacrifice holiday and my mum will make her special “kavurma” homemade:))
will share later..;)
That sounds delicious! Please share when you get a chance!
I just learned that 20lbs of eggplant has the equivalent to one cigarette’s worth of nicotine!! Maybe that explains my unnatural love of all things eggplant which includes babaganouj. Must try this place next time I’m in town.
Eggplant has nicotine? I had no idea! I learned a while back that bananas are the most radioactive foods. Crazy, huh?
You HAVE to try this place, it’s great!
Crazies… everything down till mid 50′s is still t-shirt and flip-flop weather :p
Ha, mid 50′s is big jacket, boots and hot soup weather for us Texans!
Hey FoodBuzz friend! I love your blog! Great pics…Mmmm! Keep up the good work. Visit mine sometime.
Mark