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"When Abdul Elenani opened Ayat in October 2020, the mission was simple: to showcase Palestinian cooking using recipes contributed by his wife, Ayat Masoud, and to fill a gap he felt the city needed. The fast-casual spot in Bay Ridge was a quick hit—New York Times critic Pete Wells visited with a positive review within three months—and it has become a collaborative project between the couple. Despite early harassment for using the restaurant to express political beliefs, Ayat has continued to expand (with a planned second location near Industry City and more sites hinted beyond New York) while keeping its focus on Palestinian cuisine and culture." - Emma Orlow