"Kebab,kebab,and more kebab",foreigners in Palestine sometimes groan.Occasionally,it does seem that one chooses a place to eat more on ambiance than on the type of food available. But there is an easy remedy for the grilled meats menu -Abu Eli's restaurant on the edges of Bethlehem.Here,the familiar-sounding salads and lamb and chicken are almost exotic with rich flavors and the new twists. Don't be put off by the large ballroom feel of Abu Eli's dining room.What is missing in privacy and decor will be made up for later in good taste.A waiter will quickly seat you at he table of your choice. At Abu Eli's you will be asked to order before seeing the menu because its repeat customers know exactly what there is to offer.An appetizer order of mixed salads will turn up a rich potato garlic medley, tasty humus,and a personal favorite -a spicy Turkish salad.The chicken shishlik,or cubes of grilled chicken breast,can be dry,and reports of the legendary grilled lamb cutlets and shish kebab make them he order of choice.On certain days, specialty meals are done in he kitchen's large oven.

Abu Eli's has an extensive bar to ripen your palate. After the meal,one may choose from a turning display of fluffy baked creme desserts.Service is prompt (although,don't be surprised when the waiter assumes,as is typical,that you want to linger over the remains of the food).All of this rich fare will cost no more than $40 for drinks,an array of ample salads and entrees for two.And it will make you think of he kebab in a whole new light.

Location:On Manger Road,immediately on the left fork after Rachel's Tomb in Bethlehem.

Menu:Fancy Arabic fare.Alcohol served.

Phantom Diner Rating:+++1/2

Rating Scale:

++++next o heaven
+++a place to come back to
++if you're hungry you'll eat anywhere
+not a ghost of a chance

Note:The views expressed in this section reflect the Phantom Diner's personal experiences in the restaurants featured.
Restaurants given poor reviews will be revisited within six months to check on improvements.