Restaurant regulars: The Gipsy Kings
The Gipsy Kings, a French flamenco group who are popular in Long Island restaurants. Credit: Handout, 2004
They seem to follow me everywhere. To Greek, Turkish, El Salvadoran, Colombian, even Indian restaurants. Most recently, I encountered them at Caracara Mexican Grill in Farmingdale.
Perhaps it’s their universal appeal or instant mood-creating powers. Whatever. The Gipsy Kings seem to pop up everywhere I eat.
I’m not complaining, for sure. I like their music, rooted in the Spanish and French flamenco style yet speaking to the worldwide presence of the Romany (Gypsy) people. But, it’s a phenomenon, no question: their songs seem to go with everything: from pupusas to paellas, curries to kebabs.
I just wonder, though, whether, along with building permits, new ethnic restaurants also must show possession of a Gipsy Kings CD in order to get their certificates of occupancy.
Photo: The Gipsy Kings
