Need a driving lesson but don't want to do it on an empty stomach? Have I got some good news for you.
Smaart Market & Deli, a new Indo-Pak eatery and grocery in Central Phoenix, recently opened on 19th Avenue and Camelback (in the strip mall where the Blimpie's used to be) and right next door to Ismaart Driving School.
Coincidence? Nope.
Abdulmajid Dere owns them both, and there's a common doorway between them -- paneled wood office on one side, halal market and deli on the other. Along with a few shelves of grocery items and halal meat like lamb shoulder and whole chickens, the deli offers a small but tight menu including chicken and beef tikka, lamb, kebabs, and falafel. There's also a couple of oddballs like pizza and wings.
I popped in for lunch and crushed a giant chicken tikka sandwich that was quite tasty, along with fries and a drink for around eight bucks.
Might be worth a try if you're in the area and suddenly feel the need for Indo-Pak, or a parallel parking lesson, or both.