Cary Brown
The HUMMUS BAR AND GRILL offers excellent Middle Eastern cuisine at moderate prices. I have been driving past this eatery for years, and not noticing it. It's hard to spot with trees and umbrellas camouflaging the entrance.
This is a large neighborhood restaurant, with seating on the unbrella and tent protected, heated-cooled patio for 50 or so, plus the dog of your choice. Inside there are two dining rooms.
Our server, Eli is knowledgeable, friendly, and asked a question I had never been asked before. "What language do you wish for service?" We chose English.
Each table gets a set-up of pickled vegetables, olives, and Israeli spicy coleslaw. After being seated, a "LP" sized pita arrives from the kitchen, steaming hot. We tear servings, family style, from the community portion.
Their menu offers seven varieties of hummus, twenty salads, and chicken hearts and livers. Also available are Gyros and several types of kabobs.
As an appetizer, our table ordered hummus with toasted pine nuts. The presentation is bowl-shaped, with the center filled with toasted pine nuts. The serving, large enough for six, is smooth, mildly spiced, and delicious. And, of course, there is the unlimited, freshly baked pita. (Our table of four enjoyed two.)
There are many vegetarian/vegan items on the menu. I ordered the Israeli salad. The large and mildly spiced salad contains cucumbers, red onions, red peppers, mint, and parsley. It is finished with a light olive oil and lemon juice dressing.
The rest of our table ordered mega (chicken) schnitzel, chicken liver skewers, and chicken shawarma. The servings were large enough that almost half of each entree was boxed to take home. Astar, the manager, stopped by to see if everything is to our liking. It was.
Now it is time for dessert. We ordered baklava and chocolate mousse. Unfortunately, neither dessert is vegan. However, the other three tablemates devoured the rich, "wonderful" sweetness.
The menu is clearly marked for vegan, vegetarian, kosher and conventional proteins. Conventional proteins include: chicken, beef, and lamb. All may be prepared as kabobs, on skewers, broiled, or fried. Gluten free items are indicated. Chicken nuggets are on the children's menu.
Free parking is provided. Everything is wheelchair accessible including the bathrooms. There is underground parking to protect your car during the San Fernando Valley's summer days.
Okay, I made a mistake not visiting this neighborhood restaurant. I've had meals all over the world. And to miss one this good, just a few blocks from my front door, is unthinkable. As Judy Garland said, playing Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home." Who would have guessed?
Accommodating Gluten-Free