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Sheesha adds new flavor and spice to nabe
Josh Guttman | September 21, 2007
Sheesha opened last week next to Zaytoons on Sackett Street, just off Smith. Its the work of Fahed, the son of the building’s and Zaytoon’s owner. He’s created an intimate space, with seating for approximately 15 people inside and another 4 out front. He told me he and his brother traveled all around the middle east collecting lamps and other artifacts that adorn the space, creating a very authentic vibe. The house specialty, of course, is sheesha (sometimes called nargila or hookah), a water pipe device that originated in India and caught on in the middle east, where it became somewhat of a luxury and delicacy. Molasses tobacco, often artificially flavored, is typically smoked from the device. The Double-Apple (Persian:?????,Do-Sib) is one of the most popular flavors in the middle-east (I recommend it as well) by the every day hookah-smokers because of the strength. Apparently, most two-apple tobacco seen in the U.S. stores are just apple flavor and aren’t as strong, but Fahed told me he would be getting some of the good stuff in the future. Sheesha also boasts choice board games, like Jenga, Scrabble and Connect Four, making it a prime after dinner or date spot . As for food and drink, they will be serving small dishes from Zaytoons, as well as standard middle eastern beverages, such as Moroccan mint tea and Sahlab, a sweet milky desert drink. The space is BYOA for now (bring your own alcohol) and will open around 5pm most nights. Beginning in a few weeks, they will feature middle eastern musicians and belly dancers performing on a regular basis. There is also talk of doing 1/2-price Sheeshas on Tuesdays, though this hasn’t been announced yet.
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