I have a deep fondness for both Truly Mediterranean and The Roxie Theater. The former is the best “shawarma-teria” in San Francisco; the latter, the best quirky art house cinema. They are, to quote a silly television commercial “two great tastes that go great together.”
Many years ago, I helped organize the first few editions of The Arab Film Festival. The Roxie Theater was very supportive of the festival, as they have been with numerous others. For one of the most popular films we had, the ticket holders line extended well past Truly Med who were surely happy for the added business. Sensing an opportunity, and seeing how many t-shirts we had left to sell, I walked the line, doing my best imitation of a carnival barker:
“Hurry Hurry Hurry! Step right up, folks! Get your Arab Film Festival t-shirts here! Available in Intifada red and U.N. Peacekeeper blue!”
Since then, all three institutions are thriving: I recommend them all.
