June 24, 2008
Jazzve
Jazzve is a delight and there coffee is amazing. Located in Sherman Oaks; Jazzve, is a very popular and part of the Jazzve restaurant group in Armenia and Russia. Although this restaurant group has only been around since 2003, they are one of the ten most popular brands in America among the Armenian market.
It’s warm atmosphere catches you right away and the music playing is reason enough to go. They offer crepes, sandwiches, pastries, salads and of course, the best coffee around. The taste of authentic European blend is right here and paired with the pastries or over 30 different crepes, you’ll be sure to enjoy your meal. They even have waffles and ice cream for dessert.
Delicious Mediterranean cuisine, coffee and crepes are at Jazzve. Located at 13718 Ventura Blvd, in Sherman Oaks, they offer beer, wine and music, plus breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call for information 818-986-9698 or visit them online at http://www.jazzve.com.
February 19, 2008
King Kebab
King Kebab is a delicious addition to the L.A. restaurant scene. A family owned restaurant serving North Hollywood for over a decade. The ambiance is quaint and very friendly, and the food makes you feel like you’re home.
They specialize in scrumptious cuisine, made from family recipes. Everything is made with love and tastes like its homemade. For something fresh and light, you must try the hummos and the Armenian salad. If you are in the mood for kebab plates, try their chicken lula kebab or their shawerma plate. They even serve hot sandwiches; the filet cheese steak is delicious.
King Kebab is also available to cater your event, whether you are getting married or having a birthday party at home. No event is too intimate or elaborate for King Kebab. They also offer take our and delivery within the Valley Village and surrounding areas.
King Kebab is located at 12462 Oxnard Street in North Hollywood, 91606. For catering information and phone orders call 818-980-4040. Operating hours are Mon-Sat, 10am to 8pm and Sun, 10am to 4pm.
February 18, 2008
Olive Branch
Olive Branch restaurant in La Crescenta is a unique experience. Their motto is “Good food, good life,” and they mean it. Voted the Best Armenian Restaurant by the Foothill’s Best 2005 Reader’s Choice and its obvious why.
They are committed to serving healthy, delicious food in an environment of good service, quality and peace. Some standout house specialties are; split pea beef stew and pomegranate chicken stew. They also serve scrumptious kebab plates with all types of meat; from chicken and Cornish game hen, to salmon and filet mignon, all served with basmati rice, barbecued vegetables or a salad.
If you are looking for some appetizers, salads and soups, they offer stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and a variety of fresh salads. And don’t forget dessert, the Olive Branch has a delicious saffron rice pudding, enjoy it with a hot cup of Armenian coffee.
Olive Branch is located at 3658 Foothill Blvd., in La Crescenta, 91214. For reservations, take out and catering call 818-248-9876 or email feedback@iloveolivebranch.com. Hours of operation are Tues-Thurs, 11:30am to 9pm, Fri-Sat, 11:30am to 10pm and Sun, 12pm to 9pm.
Alcazar Restaurant
If you love hummus, you’ll love Alcazar Restaurant in Encino. It was voted one of the top 10 places for hummus in L.A. by the Los Angeles Times.
Not only is their hummus delicious, but you’ve got to try their signature kebab plate and their Lebanese stews. Also worth mentioning are the sea bass and quail, specialty items you just can’t find anywhere else. Along with the food, Alcazar offers a full bar with a great selection of imported beers and a full wine list as well.
Looking for entertainment? Alcazar presents live music every Friday and Saturday night. And you won’t get bored either; they offer a variety of world music for your listening pleasure.If you need somewhere to hold your next event, look no further. Alcazar offers full banquet accommodations and catering for up to 150 people. It is a great place to have an office party or a personal event.
Alcazar Restaurant is located at 17239 Ventura Blvd., in between Louise and Amestoy Avenue, in Encino. Contact for reservations or banquet information 818-789-0991. And don’t worry about parking, it’s ample and it’s free!
February 15, 2008
Cafe Santorini
If eating out under the stars, enjoying delicious cuisine, and fabulous service are what you look for in a night out…have I got the place for you. Café Santorini in Pasadena is all this and so much more.
Open since 1993 in Old Town Pasadena, Café Santorini is a unique experience. They offer scrumptious seafood dishes, wonderful pasta and appetizer platters that could feed a family. Their outdoor patio is fabulous year round and transports you to another place.
Definitely try the Red Curry Paella; with Arborio rice, mussels, clams and shrimp, in a red curry cream sauce. It’s non-traditional Paella, but it is delectable. If you are in the mood for pasta try the Farfalle con Pollo al Pesto; grilled marinated chicken over bow-tie pasta with Roma tomatoes and parmesan in a cilantro pesto sauce. Bellisima.
If you are looking for a place to hold a special occasion, Café Santorini really delivers. They have the Rococo Room which can accommodate up to 150 people in a beautiful atmosphere. It’s a charming and magical space.
Contact Café Santorini & the Rococo Room at 626-564-4201 or email rococo@cafesantorini.com. Hours are Mon-Thurs, 11:30am to 10pm, Fri-Sat, 11:30am to 12am, and Sun, 11:00am to 10pm. Café Santorini is located 1 block west of Fair Oaks on the south side of the street at 64 W. Union Street in Pasadena, 91103. The Rococo Room is located at 70 W. Union Street.
February 14, 2008
Zankou Chicken
Zankou Chicken has been in Los Angeles since 1984. Now opening their sixth southland location, you are sure to have one close to home. And how lucky you are, Zankou Chicken has the best chicken in town.
All food is prepared fresh every day and Zankou makes sure to use 100% natural ingredients. You’ll never see a freezer, can or microwave at Zankou, when they say fresh, they mean it. And they only use Foster Farms chickens and 100% USDA beef. They also bake their bread fresh every day, how great is that?
Some menu standouts are Shawerma; marinated and spiced slices of beef stacked on a spit and grilled against an open fire. Falafel; crushed garbanzo and fava beans, split peas, mixed with exotic natural spices and deep fried in peanut oil. And you’ve got to try the Mutabbal; a paste made of grilled eggplant, mixed with sesame sauce, fresh garlic and topped with salad oil.
At Zankou they not only have great service and food, it is their goal to exceed your expectations, every visit, and every time. They feel word of mouth is the best advertising around, and if your needs aren’t meant, they want to know about it.
Zankou Chicken has 5 Los Angeles Locations. Every store is open at 10am. The Burbank, Glendale and West LA stores close at 11pm, and Pasadena and Van Nuys close at 10pm. Zankou Chicken is open 365 days a year. Check out their website at www.zankouchicken.com or email zankouchickens@aol.com for more information.
February 12, 2008
Elena’s Greek Armenian Cuisine
When you are in the mood for authentic, great tasting Greek and Armenian cuisine, head over to Elena’s in Glendale. Their delicious food and wonderful service is the result of over 25 years of experience.
Whether you are looking for a decadent dinner or a light lunch, Elena’s delivers. They offer everything from meat dishes, fish, and chicken, to light sandwiches, salads and soups. You can enjoy falafel, gyros, or kebabs. Order up a Greek salad, and enjoy some pita bread and grilled vegetables too. Their rice is a house specialty and very well known in the Greek and Armenian communities along with their flat breads and a number of other great dishes.
Elena’s offers dine in, take away and delivery. The restaurant is open daily, Mon-Sat, 11am to 9:30pm. They are located at 1000 S. Glendale Avenue in Glendale, 91205. Give them a call at 818-241-5730.
Maran Restaurant
If you are looking for a wonderful, fine dining restaurant serving Armenian, Russian and Mediterranean delights, look no further than Maran Restaurant.
The interior is as authentic as the menu. You will be engulfed in antique Armenian pottery, fine carpets and hand crafted Armenian chairs. Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Maran restaurant is rich in taste and the cuisine is delightful. And aside from their delicious food, they also offer some of the best entertainment around. Live music is featured on weekends and usually starts around 8:30pm and can go as late as 2:00am. Because of the live music I would definitely suggest reservations, and their dress code is strictly enforced, they like to keep the atmosphere classy.
If you are having a private party, rehearsal dinner or other event, give them a call. They love to cater to special events from dinner parties to corporate events, they will work closely with you to make your event a memorable one.
Maran Restaurant is located at 6430 San Fernando Road in Glendale, 91201. For information and reservations please call 818-242-1299.
