magid

Weeks ago, I got off the T in Malden Center and saw a food truck across the street that had a banner proudly proclaiming how it was halal and kosher. I'm pretty sure I know every kosher restaurant in the area, so I went to ask about it. The guy in the truck was not a native speaker of English; in the end, he came out so I could point to "kosher" on the banner, and he told me that it wasn't the truck, but the restaurant. Um, ok.

I didn't have time to got to the restaurant, but I did find its website, which has a post about halfway down titled "Welcome to our Organic Halal (Kosher) Kitchen!" I left a comment on that, asking who their certifying agency is (I mean, I know they're not kosher, open 7 days/week, etc., but it's always better to start out pleasant). That was before Thanksgiving; I never got a reply.

Last week I called the Boston Vaad (kosher certifying agency), and talked with one of the rabbis there. He asked if I lived in Malden, since the best way to have this change would be from social pressure. I was surprised by this, assuming that the Vaad might call them and ask them to cease and desist, or something. Nope, nothing they could do.

I suppose I should go to the restaurant, but I don't expect that would make much difference, seeing how they've already ignored my blog comment. I have no leverage here; it's unlikely that they'd go for certification, so I can't say that I'd then become a customer. And I know most people who keep kosher will already know that this isn't a kosher place, yet it bothers me.

So: suggestions? Actions I should take?