Mark B.
Yelp
Highly anticipated coming here. Seriously disappointed leaving.
First, you walk in and have no idea where to order. No less that myself and 10 others stepped up to the take out counter by mistake. Realizing you have to walk around the seating area to a register. Unfortunate for a newly designed place. Some wayfinding in the design would have solved this.
Second, at 1:15pm on a weekday, as a short line gathers, there's only one cashier. Frustrating. Especially when there are 5-6 other staff behind the counter looking a bit dazed and confused. Perhaps it's from the smoke of 15-20 kabobs pre-cooking on a super hot grill that noticeably consumes the place.
Third, they have swai and tilapia on the menu. The lowest grade and quality of fish on the planet. Swai is typically Vietnamese-imported and grown in fish farms that have raised several health concerns globally. Once called, Asian catfish, this now had me wondering where their chicken actually comes from. But I digress...
Ultimately ordered the chicken breast with Greek salad. Chicken and hummus had some serious salt and seasoning issues, if that's what you like, go for it. The chicken itself lacked flavor and texture. Slightly overcooked and dry so I asked for some cucumber yogurt dip to lessen the blow.
As I sat watched this place in action, I couldn't help but think about the fact that this general establishment has been around for 40+ years serving the Armenian+ culture. Is it because we creatures of habit? Loyal to our tribe? Or perhaps afraid to venture out? Some how some way, there are doing something right. I just couldn't figure out what it was. And I wondered how long this location will last without some serious rethinking.
Yes, I like my meat tender and perfectly grilled. Yes, I want my hummus to actually taste like a garbanzo bean. And yes, I want to know that the quality of food on a menu is commensurate with the price and that it comes from a reliable source. Is that asking too much?
The upside? Glendale is chock full of Kaboberies. They may not be 'The Original', but having eaten at many of them, I know for a fact, many do not rest on their laurels. They are reinventing what is to enjoy mouthwatering, succulent chicken that reflects our current desire for fresh wholesome food. Unfortunately, that's not the case here.