EWU's Food Gem: Aladdin's Egyptian Food

There's a little known food gem on Eastern Washington University's campus. For the past 30 years, Aladdin's Egyptian Food has been serving an array of scrumptuous gyros, falafel, baklava, and freshly cooked vegetables like cauliflower, and zucchini. The man behind the counter is Alaaeldin Aamer, whom I met in 1986 when I was an EWU student. Alaaeldin dishes up more than amazingly tasty food, he also gently hands you just what you need to hear, a philosopher of sorts, with an uncanny way of listening to you, and then offering a bit of sage advice. You might call him an unofficial academic food guidance counselor. Twenty years after graduating from EWU, I returned to teach, and was delighted to see Alaaeldin again. EWU has many Middle-Eastern students attending classes, eating lunch in the PUB (Public Union Building) where Aladdin's is located. Particularly to these students, Alaaeldin serves as father-figure, friend, and confidant, who are sometimes homesick for familiar food and language. Over the years, Alaaeldin's hair has grayed a bit, but his food and friendly disposition are enduring.