Rate-A-Restaurant #404: Zhengyalov Hatz (Glendale)

Restaurant: Zhengyalov Hatz

Location: 318 E. Broadway (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Armenian

We stipulated: Maria and I continue "New Food Sundays," inspired by the Los Angeles Times' latest 101 Restaurants special issue. We were looking for a quick lunch that would be almost snack-like, since we had a big breakfast. Zhengyalov Hatz fit the bill, and it's healthy too.

They stipulated: There's just one major entree on the menu (along with one dessert.) Per Eater LA, "Zhengyalov hatz, the namesake flatbread in a Glendale bakery that opened this past November, combines 15 types of minced greens and herbs, including spinach, beetroot leaves, scallions, cilantro, onion, sorrel for a hint of sourness, and of course secrets. The owner tasked local farmers to grow greens and herbs to match the flavor back home."

What we ordered: Zhengyalov Hatz ($6.99): Flat bread with 15 types of fresh cut herbs, top quality flour, sunflower oil, salt. We got two.

High point: The price, the uniqueness and the simplicity of it.

Low point: Yeah, I suppose it would be nice to have a few more options or add-ons.

 

Overall impression: I love that such a unique snack and food concept is available here in Glendale. It's something filling and fast to eat on the go.

Will we return:  It might be awhile, but I can see craving something like this again.

Rate-A-Restaurant #397: Mini Kabob (Glendale)

Restaurant: Mini Kabob

Location: 313 1/2 Vine St. (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Armenian/Mediterranean

We stipulated: Maria and I continue "New Food Sundays," inspired by the Los Angeles Times' latest 101 Restaurants special issue. Mini Kabob has been on our to-do list forever, especially since we live in Glendale so close by.

They stipulated: "Mini Kabob specializes in fine quality Armenian cuisine. It serves up quality meat such as; ground beef/chicken, beef/chicken cutlet, beef shish pieces, chicken breast and thigh skewers, french cut lamb chops, falafel plate, and of course mini kabobs. They also serve up homemade Egyptian style hummus, eggplant caviar, and cucumber yogurt. Come by and indulge with us at our mom and pop shop."

 

What we ordered: We got two combo plates ($19.99) An assortment of chicken lule, pork tenderloin and chicken thigh, cooked over an open fire on skewers.

High point:  Oh that hummus. Now I know how much I've been living a lie, eating Trader Joe's and grocery store hummus. It doesn't come close to this.

Overall impression: Although it was delicious and lived up to the hype (especially that hummus!), at $19.99, I'm afraid the price may be a bit too high for this combo plate. Although we were able to feed the family with two, so it actually did work out.

Will we return:  We also managed to feed the family with two, lower-priced combo plates from Elena's, so it's tough to say.

Most Unfortunately-Worded Sign, Perhaps Ever?

In recognition of the horrible atrocities of the early 20th Century Armenian genocide, many businesses in Glendale close once a year on Genocide Remembrance Day.

Still, this sign found over the weekend on a Glendale pharmacy... well, perhaps it could have been worded a bit more delicately. (See above.)

Rate-A-Restaurant #220 and #221: Carousel vs. Elena's Greek Armenian

A special doubleheader: A few weekends ago, we hit both Elena's Greek Armenian and Carousel Restaurant -- two Glendale staples -- within days of each other. That gave us a chance to compare and contrast... and so, we now present, a Glendale Armenian Cuisine smackdown. First up... Carousel:



Restaurant: Carousel Restaurant

Location: 304 N Brand Blvd. (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Lebanese-Armenian

We stipulated: We were meeting our friends Jeff and Jess (and kids) for an early dinner... and they suggested Carousel. We'd never been, despite our nearly six years in tha G-Dizzy.

They stipulated: Carousel turns into more of a adult-oriented nightclub on weekend nights, when live entertainment, dancing and music take over the restaurant.



What we ordered: Chicken breast kebab / lula kebab: boneless, skinless chicken breast meat, marinated with special recipe and broiled ($15.50). Mousakka: eggplant, baked with onions, tomatoes, chickpeas and peppers ($13.50). In both cases, added lentil soup for $1.50.



High point: Despite its upscale environs, the large, almost banquet hall style setting made it easy to bring kids along (four between the two families).



Low point: Hummus doesn't come automatically with your meal. Shouldn't that be mandatory?

+++++++++++++++



Restaurant: Elena's Greek Armenian

Location: 1000 S. Glendale (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Greek-Armenian

We stipulated: We needed a quick place for lunch, and had a coupon for Elena's. I'd never been, but had always heard good things.



They stipulated: All plates automatically come with soup or salad.



What we ordered: Chicken shish kebab plate ($7.75); half chicken/half lulu ($7.75)



High point: Free lentil soup! With a great, almost citrusy flavor. Plus, perfect-sized portions at a decent price. And because this was our first visit, free desserts. (The rice pudding is fantastic.)



Low point: Service was slow -- we sat and sat and sat for our check, and finally had to force our credit card on them.



+++++++++++++++++++++

Overall impressions: The food is strong at both, so the key points come down to price and setting. Elena's easily won the price battle -- plates cost half as much, plus their lentil soup (superior to Carousel's) comes free. Carousel provides a more upscale setting to Elena's simple surroundings; but does it matter?

Chance we'll go back: We'll probably wind up back at both, but Elena's will be a much more frequent stop (particularly for lunch).

Looks like Elena's wins our battle of Glendale's Armenian staples.