Figs Fine Foods is more a cafe than a market but you can buy most of what you need for your own Lebanese feast right here, from the cheeses, dips and cookies to a full take out meal of home-cooked tagines, eggplant ratatouille, and a mix of salads from the buffet. The prices are extremely reasonable.

Reem Azoury is the owner of this half-basement space that's just below the sidewalk on MacArthur Boulevard in the Palisades. She was inspired to open the cafe by the food she had had cooked for her by her Lebanese grandmother. But the food isn't only Middle Eastern. Roasted brussel sprouts have featured on the sides menu, along with turkey burgers and a brie, fig jam, pears and walnuts sandwich kind of thing that's served as dessert. Reem has traveled widely, so you'll find dishes from across the Mediterranean basin, along with British specialties that come from her education in London.

If you stay in to eat and are on your own, there's a comfortable bar area and a supply of cookbooks to keep you occupied while you eat. If you want to know how to cook what's been made, there are classes to teach you just how that spicy sour lentil soup was done.

Figs Fine Foods, 4828 MacArthur Blvd NW, 202 333 7773.