Best Middle Eastern restaurant
We Bostonians know a thing or two about giving a legend its due, which is why the Middle East gets our nod time and again. Its evolution from humble Lebanese eatery to major rock club, spanning three decades, is apocryphal by now, just going to show how far a little initiative and a lot of spunk can take a place. Even so, its menu has happily stayed put, sticking to beloved basics such as kibbeh and lentil stew, couscous and kebabs. Here's to another 30 years of rock and rolled grape leaves.

A small, sparse take-out joint in the sea of small, sparse take-out joints stretching from BU to BC, the original Rami's seems every bit as plain as its co-winner is colorful. That is, until you close your eyes and try the food. Indeed, the more nondescript the items appear on the menu - "falafel balls," "baba houmos salad plate" - the more flavorful they are in your mouth: nutty, lemony, crispy, creamy, and above all fresh-tasting. Talk about the stuff of legend.

Middle East, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge, (617) 354-8238, www.mideastclub.com; Rami's, 324 Harvard Street, Brookline, (617) 738-3577.