Although they’ve been open 18 months, we just heard about Laila’s and tried it last week. The owners are Afghan, and the food features grilled kabobs and other specialties of the region. We are vegetarian, and were happy to find several delicious items to choose from, including a great veggie kabob, savory lentil stew, and cauliflower in a well-seasoned red sauce. The menu includes many non-vegetarian items as well.

Laila herself does all the cooking, and came out to talk with us. She and her husband are delightful. They explained that the menu varies, and other vegetarian selections will be available on a rotating basis. I can’t wait to go back and try the pumpkin dish! 

Décor is fresh and lively, with deep lime green walls and black and white “art” photos in black frames. Background music adds to the comfortable atmosphere.

Prices are very reasonable, even inexpensive. Dinner for two with salad was about $20, and we were too full for dessert.

When you’re feeling like something delicious, just a little off the beaten path, I highly recommend Laila’s! 

Aqua 103 is a new restaurant located in the Lyles Center in Hagerstown just off Leitersburg Pike.  They offer a progressive American menu with aged steaks, seafood, pork, grouper, crab cakes and my entrée for the night lamb 3-ways.  While prices might be considered high by Franklin County standards, the food and service were excellent.  I started the meal with an exceptional lobster chowder.  We shared the chocolate mousse cake for dessert.  It was made with a rich dark chocolate and sprinkled with cocoa powder.  If you’re headed to Hagerstown for dinner or if you just want to try something new, you owe to yourself to give Aqua 103 a try.