WHY For kebabs and fresh seafood dishes to take home or back to the office (or eat in your car). Try the salmon tacos, mahi mahi burger, falafel or lamb kebabs.

WHAT A tiny hut next to Gerlach’s Liquor (which stocks a surprisingly impressive collection of wine) turns out delicious and inexpensive food with Middle Eastern flavors (saffron-flavored rice, tangy salads, traditional kebabs). Simple but very good fresh grilled fish, too.

WHO At lunch, workers from the Fair Oaks medical buildings; in the early evening, Southwest Pasadenans pulling up in their Mercedeses for a quick takeout dinner.