Bites Nearby: Anita's Kitchen

Anita's Kitchen, 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale (248) 548-0680

, the contemporary successor to Anita Farah's popular restaurants (now closed) is run by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Joe Wegrzyn, and it very much reflects their outgoing personalities. That's certainly a plus.  

The fare, from chicken shawarma to shish kafta, fattoush salad and the trio of taboulee, hummus and baba ganouge, all from Anita's recipes, is just about as good an interpretation of Lebanese fare as can be found around town. Another plus is the small but well-chosen wine list, and so is the heated, covered patio, which is open most of the year. It's amazing how many people are willing to sit outside even in very cold weather, and it's a good thing, because the indoor seating is sometimes not enough for all the would-be diners who love the food here.   

Recommended dishes: Raw kibbee, chicken shawarma, Lebanese salad, Joe's Buffalo wings

Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday

Prices: Appetizers $4.55-$8.95, sandwiches and salads $4.50-$8.95, entrees $8.95-$14.95.  

Credit cards: All major