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In the mood for something  a little different, but traditional, a bit Mediterranean, but recognizable? How about with some basil and garlic, some fresh olive oil? Oh, you want a kabob maybe, instead? Br. Tahir Imran’s place, Lil’ Italian Cafe in Herndon, Virginia can give you that, too, if you want to take it back to the more familiar. As the name implies, he offers up traditional Italian food, halal and plentiful.

A comfortable and relaxing atmosphere is always nice. Lots of natural light, great location and easy directions are great, too. Well planned design and complimentary colors are always nice to have. But when it comes down to it, a good piece of chicken is what most people really want from a restaurant.

The woman behind Chicken Basket in Germantown knows what her customers like: It’s all about the dajaajah, the pollo, the murghi, the yard bird. American’s favorite meat, chicken.

Has anyone notice a pattern? Is it just me? Or does the Metro DC region, Maryland suburbs in particular, have some great little no-frills eateries? Downtown DC has its share of off-the-beaten-track places with some wonderful food, no doubt, but they aren’t halal. It seems that if on a whim you pull your car into some little mall you’re going to find an unlikely halal spot ...