Walking into La Pita, there is no doubt that something special is afoot. The interior is a bombastic celebration of Middle Eastern culture. Booths can be set up for private dining. More intimate than Habib's, the feeling is similar at both. Both Habib's and La Pita are trying to make Middle Eastern cuisine an extraordinary event. In addition to the interior, La Pita boasts a large patio that is half covered. Sure, it has been over 90 degrees lately, but it is always satisfying to dine outdoors. The waitstaff is very quick to refill your ice water, so the heat is always kept under wraps. …

Upon entering the New La Shish at 12918 Michigan Ave., there is a sticker proclaiming La Shish as an AOL "Best of" choice in 2005.  Magazine covers from years ago adorn the walls.  Most people don't recall awards La Shish won five years ago; however, they do remember the food. One of the most comforting things for former La Shish patrons is the menu.  The "new" menu is the old menu and not just the items, the entire menu—down to the font and pictures—is exactly the same. First and foremost, the fondest La Shish memory for most people is the bread. Hot out of the oven, fluffy, just a little …

There's something not right about walking into a restaurant and the smell is strictly cleaning product, like everything has been wiped down and disinfected five times over. I get it, your restaurant is clean, but must you pummel my olfactory system into submission? Somewhere between the Tuhamas and Hamido lies the ambiance of Iraqi Kabob. It is nowhere near the dive that Tuhamas is, but it is not as welcoming as Hamido. Iraqi Kabob is, well, clean. From the just-been-scrubbed aroma to the bright white tables to the sterile fluorescent lights, there just isn't much to the atmosphere. Some art …

Middle Eastern dining as a rule is casual. Much of the food that is served in Middle Eastern restaurants has roots in street food tradition. Shawarma, falafel, kibbeh, and hummus can, and usually is, served in the form of a sandwich that can be easily transported and eaten. The idea of a white tablecloth Middle Eastern restaurant seems discordant.  Street food isn't elegant.  Somehow, though, Habib's Cuisine moves beyond the street food standard toward Middle Eastern as a special occasion option. Granite floors, huge comfy booths, and waitstaff in shirts and ties, Habib's is the exact of …

For a lover of Middle Eastern food, it doesn't get much better than Warren Avenue in Dearborn. This stretch of road has at least 10 restaurants and/or bakeries within a mile or two of each other.   Seems like Mid-East Eats can't get away from Warren: Al-Ameer, Hamido, Cedarland and now Tuhama's. For those in the know, Tuhama's is a must-visit destination. Known for their sandwiches–more specifically, their chicken shawarma sandwiches–Tuhama's is more a carryout joint than a sit-down restaurant. With enough seats for about 20, it wouldn't take much for the space to become crowded. When I …

Cedarland Restaurant, located on the popular stretch of Warren Avenue in east Dearborn, is the fourth restaurant we have examined in our Mid-East Eats column.   After only four restaurants, patterns are emerging and flavor profiles recognized. Even after eating Middle Eastern food all my life, the nuances amongst the four places are fascinating. It is clear why people form favorites or get comfortable at one spot or another. And Cedarland has a lot of diners who call it their favorite. Cedarland is clean and festive inside. The interior is well lit. Booths are huge, making them perfect for …

Al-Ameer is one of Dearborn's most storied restaurants. Last year, Anthony Bourdain featured Al-Ameer as part of the Rust Belt episode of his television show, "No Reservations."  Bourdain and Zamir, his dining partner, picked Al-Ameer as the quintessential Middle Eastern restaurant in Dearborn. With good reason, too. Al-Ameer has been around for about 30 years. Not only do they serve exemplary versions of Middle Eastern classics, they also have signature dishes that are not available anywhere else. The interior is set up like what I imagine a family restaurant in Lebanon would look like–…

Situated on the corner of strip mall next to a video game store, Ollie's seems out of place, but placement can be overlooked if the atmosphere and food are good. Open for three years, Ollie's is one of many places that opened after the demise of La Shish. In fact, both of Ollie's waiters working during my visit were both former La Shish employees. Ollie's is the antithesis of Hamido. Where Hamido is simple, Ollie's is ornate. Ollie's interior is setup like a Arab temple–lots of stone and wood work throughout the restaurant. Menus are bound in leather.   Upon being seated, a basket of warm …

Over the course of the next year or so, I will be focusing on each and every Middle Eastern restaurant in Dearborn. From the dingiest hole-in-the-wall to the most upscale dining experience, I want to try them all.  If anywhere along the way, you want me to check out a place, or if you agree or disagree with my assessments, please let me know in the comments. I look forward to discussing shawarma, falafel and pita bread with you. The methodology is simple: We will compare each restaurant on food-based criteria. Hummus, falafel and chicken (or lamb/beef) shawarma will be judged. Other dishes …