Chickpeas or Spinach?

In my time here in D.C. I've definitely experienced things I never have before, both for good and for bad. I confess that if/when I do leave, I will be a more impatient, less likely to say hello to random people on the street, much more likely to shove little old ladies out of the way on the street, and definitely a more road enraged citizen. Those things are definitely inspiration for me to move somewhere friendlier and quieter.

I have to say though, that one thing I cling to with tenacity and ferocity, is D.C.'s affinity towards all foods Afghan. Most people who visit don't have a very wide range of exposure to the beautiful kabob, or the delicious bread and other accouterments that accompany it. Just today I read an article where yet another magical kabob restaurant has opened close to where I live. Who wants to come with me????

I LOVE KABOBS!! Every time I read about another kabob place I have to go try it out. I remember my very first kabob experience at the aptly-named "Afghan Restaurant" on Route 1; I was surprised and disappointed at the dish that came out with a piece of bread the size of Florida, topped with chunks of meat. No veggies? No decoration? No garnish?

A few months later (still a D.C. novice at this point) I was on my way to meet someone for a guitar lesson, and on a whim decided to bring, as payment, takeout from the Kabob Palace, something for which he had very publicly professed ardent love. I didn't quite understand the obsession (especially with the chickpeas; I prefer spinach myself), but thought what the heck, one for him, one for me, and thus began my journey towards kabob fanaticism...

Since then, I've begun to crave it on a regular basis. Is it heresy that when I read the Kite Runner last summer for the first time, the one thing that struck me was the protagonist's description of his native kabobs and then I wanted to eat them the entire time I was reading?

Anyway, for you D.C. natives out there, which is your favorite kabob restaurant and why? Chickpeas or spinach? What out-of-the-place restaurant do you recommend? For you non-D.C.ers, come out and eat some. Now.