Tanoreen Caterers   

When former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon was in a coma, his advisors allegedly put a plate of shwarma under his nose to wake him up. That's the kind aroma that wafts through this Bay Ridge Middle Eastern restaurant: passionate, powerful, and with hints of humor. Named after a Lebanese town and run by charismatic chef-owner Rawia Bishara, Tanoreen is widely regarded as one of the finest Mediterranean eateries in the city. The light, unpretentious dining room is devoid of many distractions, and thankfully so, as there's enough items on the meat-heavy menu to make a peace accord look like light reading. While Lamb is on the front lines here -- try it as a kebab, a kafta or a kibbie -- don't miss the spicy okra stew, the striped bass, or the dried Armenian sujok. You can even make a meal of the appetizers -- Labaneh (Egyptian yogurt), cauliflower salad with tahini, and what may be the best baba ghanoush in Brooklyn.