In Memorium

April is so bittersweet since it's me and my hubby's dating anniversary but that same year and month was also when my dear cousin passed away suddenly at 29.  Maybe it's lucky for him that he will never have to grow old.  He will eternally be 29 in our eyes.  Yesterday was the anniversary of his passing (it's been 2 years) and so my sister, her BF and I went down to 53rd St and 6th Ave in Manhattan to the famous Halal Food Cart.  Their known as the guys with the yellow tees.  I think I was first introduced to this cart when they only had 1 on the block right across from the Hilton hotel on a late night adventure with my sister and her friend many many moons ago.  And I've been a customer ever since.  Nowadays they've built up quite a reputation and I've noticed they now have like 4 carts around the vicinity of 53rd st, and the lines can go for eons for the perfect drunken late night snack.  We ate some gyros in our cousin's memory because this spot was one of his favorite places to eat.  Eating was one of his favorite things to do. 

I think my cuz's usual dish was chicken and lamb with rice (which is also served with a couple of slices of pita bread but I think they dwindled down on serving that). We opted for the lamb gyro version.  I think these used to have tomatoes with the lettuce - it's now been whittled down to bare essentials meat and lettuce.  Can't forget the white sauce and the hot sauce.  At most places, the white sauce is typically a yogurt sauce but I think here they use mayo to make it tastier.  And their hot sauce is the bomb - super spicy hot - I don't know what they use but I haven't been able to find a better hot sauce anywhere else.  The lamb still tastes good even though there's not much to be desired in the salad.  I kind of miss the old days when they used to overload the pitas and plates but I guess times are tough now and they need to be economical to remain a cheap eat.  Anyway I think it's nice to honor someone's memory by doing something they liked to do  .