Lebanese specials

Come spring, all over the near and Middle East women bend their backs to the ground to gather the mildly bitter leaves of the young dandelion and other wild greens. Buy them in season at the Lebanese Taverna Market, 4400 Old Dominion Blvd, Arlington, 703 276 8681, and eat at their cafe or buy something to take home for later, after you've shopped. The Market sells the some of the best chicken shawarma in town - among other good cooked things to bring home. (Try their garlic purée on your own roast chicken...) It's also one of the best suppliers of a wide range of good European eating and cooking chocolate.

For a genuine taste of Lebanese food, the Pita House in Old Town, or its sister restaurant, The Lebanese Village, on 23rd Street in Crystal City comes recommended as a good place to sit outside in spring, he says, and the food there far better than any other Lebanese restaurant in DC. Try the Kibbeh Nayeh (steak tartare) on Friday or Saturday nights.

For home-made halal spiced lamb sausages and shish taouk for chicken kebab, visit the Lebanese Butcher, 113 E. Annandale Rd, Falls Church, 703 533 2903.

Related Ingredients...