Oct. 9, 2015 By Jackie Strawbridge
A three-story Egyptian-themed restaurant is set to open this month at the former Wendy’s on Steinway Street.
Tut’s Hub, located at 30-91 Steinway St., will focus on traditional Egyptian dishes as well as casual American fare, in a setting decked out with sculptures and decorations inspired by ancient Egypt.
“I have always had a passion about bringing the history, art and ancient Egypt – [the] feeling like you’re going into the tomb, into the temple,” owner and Astoria resident Khaled Abdelhaleem said.
The menu will include dishes from Abdelhaleem’s Egyptian background, such as hawashi – sautéed beef sandwiched in dough – or koshari, a pasta and lentil dish that will be served with hot sauce.
Other menu items will include falafel, rotisserie and fried chicken, fish and fried veggies.
An open kitchen is on the first floor; seating for about 100 people spans the first and second floor. The third floor is a colorful, dedicated playspace for kids.
When completed, the playspace will accommodate about 25 kids with arts and crafts, activities, TVs and games. A manager and two employees will watch the space, while parents will be able to connect to a monitor, to keep an eye on the room while they eat downstairs.
Abdelhaleem said he aims to hold the grand opening mid-October.
Reach reporter Jackie Strawbridge at jackie.strawbridge@queenspost.com
