The Best Dishes Eater Editors Ate This Week: Jun 2
All of Los Angeles seemed to have the same idea of going to Persian ice cream shop Saffron & Rose this weekend. On Saturday night, the shop was abuzz, with a line that nearly reached the front door. The fluorescent lights of the shop bathed groups outside in a white glow as cars whizzed by down Westwood Boulevard, music blasting out of cracked-open windows. My usual order is the cucumber ice cream, but unfortunately, they were out by the time we arrived. Instead, I opted for the date ice cream and the classic saffron and pistachio. I wasn't quite sure what to expect with the date, but the scoop far exceeded my hopes. Chewy chunks of sweet dates were folded into the stretchy ice cream base, which isn't too sweet. The saffron added a pleasant floral contrast, studded with crushed pistachios. It's a scoop I'll likely be revisiting many times this summer. 1387 Westwood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90024. — Rebecca Roland, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Carne asada torta from Wendy's Tortas in Lincoln Heights
During cooler months, I head to Wendy's Tortas in Lincoln Heights for its excellent pozole, but as the weather warms up, my order slowly transitions into tortas. The daytime corner restaurant sits just off the freeway, making it a convenient stop, and has a small parking lot in the back. The torta here is no frills, with just a meat of choice (I usually go for carne asada), a spread of beans, mayonnaise, onions, tomato, cheese, and jalapeños. The sandwich is grilled on the plancha before serving, crisping the exterior of the bread. Meat is generously piled on and the mayonnaise is just enough to hold it all together without becoming overwhelming. If you're headed to Benny Boy down the street, this is a great spot to pick up some food to bring in. 2603 N. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90031 — Rebecca Roland, editor, Southern California/Southwest Kebab platter from Mini Kabob in Glendale
Now that the Michelin Guide has awarded a star to a food hall stand in Los Angeles (Holbox), I think it might be due time to have it award another left-field, only-in-LA star to the city's best overall kebab restaurant: Mini Kebob. Time and again, this classic, tiny shop just off Central Avenue in Glendale has served the best grilled meats and Armenian-inflected sides in Southern California. As a patron for 15-plus years, I've marveled at the juicy, flavorful beef lule; the tender chunks of chicken thigh shish; and the glorious beef shish made with New Zealand flap meat. Its fluffy, buttery rice and spot-on sides, from the smooth hummus to the savory, slightly smoky eggplant caviar, make it stand out; the balanced garlic sauce provides a redolent punch with every bite. The Martirosyan family has been operating the restaurant for years, expanding to Westfield Topanga and most recently to Neighborly in Westlake Village (note: Armen Martirosyan no longer recognizes the Topanga Social location on his social media, so the affiliation might be more of a licensing situation). The best thing to do is go to the Glendale original, wait for a spot at the single picnic table out front, and ask for an 'chef's choice' platter with everything. I promise the food will be as good or better than the finest fine dining restaurants, easily the best Los Angeles meal served on paper plates. (Pro tip: call ahead to place the order instead of waiting) 313 1/2 Vine Street, Glendale, CA 91204. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Chocolate strawberry doughnut at Miracle Bakery in Burbank
Burbank is a neighborhood where one has to pay attention at all times — there is far more than IKEA runs and suburban life. Recently, I enjoyed visiting the multimedia Black Sheep Gallery, which showcases the art of Los Angeles-based artist Jill Behunin; the Burbank Aviation Museum; hiking through Stough Canyon; and making a pit stop at Miracle Bakery. This is far off the main drags, so locals find this a quiet spot to grab a breakfast sandwich, latte, or agua fresca. Everything is made on-site, including the cakes, cookies, muffins, scones, and chocolate strawberry doughnuts. The doughnuts have the ideal moist consistency that one always hopes for and sweetness that won't cause a blood sugar spike. The way to consume this beauty is with a basic cup of coffee that doesn't interrupt the flow of flavors. Miracle Bakery is a full-on, family-owned neighborhood spot. Staff know the regulars, and they're quick to make recommendations like this stellar doughnut or the equally excellent coffee cake. 1529 N. San Fernando Boulevard, Burbank, CA, 91504. — Mona Holmes, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest
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