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.

Rate-A-Restaurant #369: The Halal Guys (New York)

Restaurant: Halal Guys

Location: 53rd and 6th Ave. (New York)

Type of restaurant: Mediterranean/chicken



We stipulated: For my last afternoon in New York, I decided it was time for some street food -- and a visit to the famed Halal Guys was long overdue.

They stipulated: "The Halal Guys legend began in 1990, when the three founding partners opened up a hot dog cart on West 53rd & 6th Avenue in New York City. As business grew, they recognized a huge demand from Muslim cab drivers looking for a halal food meal. That is when the famous platter of chicken and gyro over rice was born. Fast-forward 25 years, five carts, two New York City restaurants, and millions of diverse customers served, The Halal Guys is growing yet again. Fans no longer have to be in NYC to experience The Halal Guys as they look to share American Halal Food all over the country and the world."



What we ordered: chicken plate ($7)



High point:  Lots of food -- a hearty meal. And that red sauce is SPICY. Like I like!
Low point:  I thought the chicken was surprisingly dry.



Overall impression: It was fine -- but I must admit, I was expecting something more to it. Maybe I'm spoiled by Zankou.

Will we return: I feel like I've been there, done that. Not sure.

Rate-A-Restaurant #275: Artisan House

Restaurant: Artisan House

Location: 600 S. Main St. (Downtown)



Type of restaurant: Mediterranean



We stipulated: Before heading to the Los Angeles Theatre for the Last Remaining Seats presentation of "Paper Moon," we wanted to eat. But it had to be fast, and close by. We hit Coles right before 7, but they wouldn't serve us their happy hour menu. So we decided to try a new spot instead, and Artisan House looked intriguing (despite its bad Yelp reviews).



They stipulated: "The roof of the historic Pacific Electric Building at the corner of 6th and Main in downtown Los Angeles is about as urban as urban gets, and yet this space is home to a splendid rooftop garden that will supply Artisan House with a steady stream of the freshest, most delicious homegrown herbs and vegetables available."



What we ordered: Sicilian Spicy Tuna Tartare (Pilacca, Pistachios, Basil, Quail Egg, Balsamic, Garlic Crostini), $9; Tartufo Bianco flatbread (Roast Garlic, Alba Funghi, House Ricotta, Fontina, Tallegio, Winter Truffles, Crispy Kale), $13; Grilled Broccolini, $7



High point: The service was attentive -- we told them we were on a time restraint, and they made sure our food came promptly, and we were out of there at a decent time.





Overall impression: Much better than I was expecting. Reasonable prices for the dishes to share, an interesting cocktail menu, good crust on the flatbread and decent service.



Chance we'll go back: It's another good use of a large space in one of downtown's old buildings. Not as cozy as Pete's but not as loud as Bottega Louie. It's a bustling corner, and I wouldn't mind returning.