It was while I was waiting for a takeout order at Kababstic Mediterranean Grill that I realized this was more than a mini-mall kebab house with exceptionally tender beef, chicken and lamb — and some of the best hummus and garlic dipping sauce in town. Kababstic is, in its understated way, a journey to the good manners of its home country of Jordan.

While I waited for my kebab plate with rice, a fresh green salad, hummus and garlic sauce, with warm pita bread, the man at the counter asked if I’d like a cup of tea. That seemed like a nice enough offer.

I was expecting a paper cup with a Lipton tea bag, and some small packets of sweetener. What I got instead was a polished metal tray, topped with two paper doilies, with a silvery teapot filled with steaming water and a tea bag with Arabic

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