Salam, Chicago

If you were blindfolded, spun around six times, and led into Salam Restaurant, you might briefly wonder if you'd somehow been transported to the Middle East. You'd be in Chicago, of course, standing on Kedzie, but the smell of fragrant spices is authentic enough to merit confusion. These scents inform starters such as falafel, hummus, and spinach pie, as well as classic main courses; favorites include beef shawarma with tomato, onions, and a tahini drizzle and a chicken tikka kebab that can double as a meaty hat pin. Salam also specializes in dishes that aren't found at just any falafel stand. Take the kalayas, for instance. These pan-fried stews pair tender cuts of chicken, lamb, or beef (as well as plenty of veggies) with a bubbling sauce just waiting to be soaked up with bites of pita.