"Local Astoria and New York Times-beloved Afghani restaurant, Sami’s Kabab House, now has a smaller, fast-casual, takeout counter spot at 47-38 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City with about 10 tables for dining in the narrow space. Expect the same flame-grilled lamb chops ($26), butchered from a whole lamb on-premises, chicken thigh kebabs ($17), and rice as long as noodles. Owner and chef Sami Zaman will also be throwing in new LIC-exclusive specials like kadu bouranee, a sweet pumpkin side dish, and Afghani-style fries seasoned with coriander seed and grapeseed powder, and packed with a green chutney for dipping (a flavored ketchup is coming soon). For the former street cart vendor and taxi driver, this marks the third offshoot of his growing family business with a full-service restaurant also in Glen Cove, Long Island." - Erika Adams
