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The Family Store, owned and operated by the Dabas family, was founded by Minerva Dabas in 1980. A welcoming spot on one of Bay Ridge's main shopping avenues, this boxy storefront is chockfull of Middle Eastern delicacies, from Iranian pistachios to Syrian cheese to Lebanese marzipan. Inside, plexiglass containers hold almost 85 varieties of dried fruits and nuts, which means you can find dried blueberries and cantaloupe in addition to the usual apricots and dates. There's a deli counter in the back and an ever-changing menu of freshly prepared foods, such as eggplant moussaka, in addition to familiar pita stuffers. Owner Sam Dabas also offers what he calls "the best crab cakes in the city," homemade from a closely guarded family recipe. — Laura Longhine