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The Hummus Bar & Grill (18743 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana; 818-344-6606), an Israeli restaurant that opened just over a year ago, is a lively spot, with conversations (many in Hebrew) and the slapping sound of hands shaping fresh laffa dough filling the air. For just a buck, every table gets a refillable basket of freshly baked, puffed-up laffa, an Iraqi pita-like bread, and that's the kickoff to an extensive menu of Middle Eastern specialties, many S12 or less. It's a great place to be a vegetarian. given the array of hummus dishes, hearty meatless selections such as falafel and portobello mushrooms, and more than a dozen terrific house-made salads. There are plenty of options for budget-conscious carnivores, too, including skewered chicken thigh or lamb dinners for $9.99 and S10.99, respectively.