While decor at Nicola's is minimal, food and festivity are foremost. Within the casual place, diners are consistently mesmerized by the fabulous Middle Eastern fare, from hummus to lamb shank, baked eggplant to a vegetarian plate. There's also baklava, and the family-style dinners are the way to go, especially if you're with a group. However the heart and soul of the place is Nicola himself, a vibrant, merry host who dances, jokes, and even delivers drinks balanced on his head. If you come on a weekend, the action gets even livelier than usual, thanks to belly dancers who engage the crowd with their sensuous moves.