The best bites from burritos to birthdays

Here is an excerpt from Craig Laban's online chat:

Reader: Have you been able to check out El Jarocho at 13th and Federal?

Craig LaBan: I love El Jarocho. They make some excellent barbacoa, one of my favorite burritos (the Aztec with pork and nopals), and some really great frijoles.

Reader: I have now ordered from Amalia's cafe a few times and am so happy with it! Their meat skewers are tender and oh-so-well cooked. Definitely my new fave for Middle Eastern food. Have you tried them?

C.L.: That's a good tip coming from someone who's spent a lot of time in the Middle East. No, I haven't been to Amalia's yet, but you're not the first to recommend it. I need to check it out, as this is one of Philly's ethnic weak spots.

Reader: Another good Middle Eastern place near Amalia's is Green Olives Cafe.

C.L.: Another I need to know. Thanks for the tip! Their menu, with lots of tagines (rabbit?!) and couscous, looks Moroccan.

Reader: Any places you recommend for great Greek food? Doesn't need to be too fancy, but being able to pull off a great gyro or kebab would be nice.

C.L.: Well, I know it isn't technically Greek (it's Cypriot), but Kanella is easily my favorite in this general food group. I've also really enjoyed my meals at Estia, an elegant version of Taverna cooking in a beautiful space with pristine Mediterranean seafood displayed over a bank of ice. Dinners with those imported fish can get pricey. But lunch and pre-theater can actually be a very good deal. (My family is partial to the chicken kebabs, among other things). The Estia Taverna concepts recently opened in Radnor and Marlton . . . very good, slightly more affordable destinations. Also, Dmitri's, of course. And South Street Souvlaki if you're not in the mood for fancy.

Reader: Your recent nod to Rex 1516's burger specials made me visit, and I loved it. Things were quiet on the Philly burger scene for a while, but I sense the rumblings of a new burger war, what with Rex's outputs, Royal Tavern's awesome Bob's Burgers themed offerings, and openings of new places like Hunger Burger in Reading Terminal.

C.L.: Yes, I think you're right. There is lots of fresh energy on the burger scene. For a few years, all the momentum seemed to be tilting toward the upscale burger chains - the Shake Shack, Bobby's Burgers, Good Stuff, Smash Burgers, etc., so I'm glad to see some independent chefs give their takes. Burgers are forever. Love the P&K double stack. And Hunger Burger could be a great addition to the RTM . . . even if the concept lacks the kind of regional identity you might expect from a stand there. As an aside, I'm still trying to get down to Fountain Porter to sample their famous $5 patty.

Reader: Any idea for a non-pizza birthday dinner for my wife and our 7-year-old in Center City?

C.L.: So many choices. I've enjoyed meals with my kids at Dandelion, Oyster House, Parc, and Tequila's, a beautiful space, well-crafted authentic Mexican food (though not quite as edgy as some of the places downtown), with an unparalleled tequila list to make it a celebration. Estia is another good option that feels celebratory and has something kids love (Estia chips, chicken kebabs). Also, how about Melograno? Noisy, noisy. But delicious, too. Everyone loves Italian. If you like sushi, Zama's a good call.