Ariana Restaurant   

We all got a quick geography lesson on Afghanistan in 2001 -- suddenly Americans could rattle off the names of provincial Afghan capitals more easily than they could list all 50 states. One factoid that didn't make it into the public cerebral coffer, however, was the country's original name: Ariana, named after the Greek goddess of the sea. The owners of Huntington's most renowned Middle-Eastern eatery have retained the moniker to reflect the combination of their classic Eastern edibles with more-familiar Western fare. Starters embody what you might witness locals preparing in Kandahar kitchens -- hummus and baba ghanoush on pita triangles, potato and leek knishes, or ground lamb-and-veal dumplings. At entree time, guests can sample Afghan specialties (homemade ravioli stuffed with roasted pumpkin, or chicken paprikash), go the vegetarian route (risotto with mung beans and falafel), or order from the menu's Kabob Korner (shrimp, lamb, chicken and beef skewered and served with seasonal veggies and basmati rice). If you're throwing a party off-premises, inquire about Ariana's Arabian Nights affair, complete with couscous and a bevy of belly dancers.