Latest news with #kebabs
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
YouTube star Spanian's surprising response to arsonists who targeted his kebab truck in Melbourne
YouTuber Spanian's foray into the Melbourne food scene seems to have ruffled a few feathers with one of his kebab trucks targeted by arsonists. Firefighters were called to Bell Street in Preston about 4am on Saturday following reports the truck had been set alight using flammable liquid. The blaze was extinguished and the damage confined to the trailer, which had been moved to the site in early May ahead of a grand opening on May 16, which Spanian, 38, said was 'the biggest turnout we've ever had'. The ex-career criminal, turned filmmaker and entrepreneur - whose name is actually Anthony Lees - launched Spanian's kebabs in Sydney which has since expanded to multiple locations. In a video shared to his social media on Saturday, he seemed unfazed by the attack. 'They burnt the front wall, but it's not an issue, there's another truck already on the way,' he said. 'We've got a factory of trucks, we'll get this one rewrapped.' He then explained it is locals, not him, who owns the trucks. 'I just want to get that out there. The trucks are part of your community, and those people from your community save up for these trucks and they have to pay for it. They're your people,' he said. He then changed the subject to his successful Melbourne launch and suggested competitors might have been responsible. 'I thought Spanian's Kebabs were shit. Well guess whose kebabs they're trying to burn down?,' he said. 'Guess who's got the best kebabs in Australia? Melbourne will be back open soon.' The Sydneysider has built a large online fanbase following a rocky start in life. Spanian spent a total of 13 years in prison before the age of 30 for various offences including a ram raid on an ATM, assaults and drug distribution. After his release, he briefly tried his hand at a career as a drill rapper before finding a large audience posting videos on YouTube. He released an autobiography in 2021, but it was quickly dropped by his publisher over controversial comments he made about the LGBTQI+ World Pride events, claiming that an agenda was being pushed to children.
New York Times
15-05-2025
- New York Times
Picnic Season Cries Out for These Easy Chicken Kebabs
At long last, warm weather is ours. I declare picnic season open for business. But I use the term 'picnic' to describe any of several dining variations. It could be a proper outdoor meal on the lawn, at the beach or in a boat. Or a feast on the front stoop. It can even be a picnic indoors if the weather isn't cooperating. The picnic spirit is casual, convivial, the opposite of formal. The food is simple but mouthwatering. For this picnic menu, I craved kebabs like those I enjoyed in Istanbul. Kebabs made with ground meat proliferate throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond. Ground lamb is most common, but chicken can be a good choice, too, as it is here. You make a well-seasoned savory mixture and form it into cylinders around a skewer, ready to grill. Recipe: Oven Chicken Kebabs If you have them, those traditional flat metal skewers are ideal. But I've used bamboo skewers and even wooden disposable chopsticks in a pinch — though you'll want to soak any wooden skewers in water before using. For that matter, though, it's also common to have kebabs without skewers, formed into small patties and pan-fried, an easy option. Made with ground chicken (the dark meat kind, not the breast meat), these kebabs are generously spiced with red pepper, paprika, cumin, sumac and onion. They can be formed well in advance of the meal and refrigerated for several days. These skewers can easily be roasted on a baking sheet in a hot oven, and I had the best result cooking these kebabs under the broiler. For grilling over coals, I find chicken kebabs need a fine meshed grate or perforated vegetable grill pan. Whatever way you cook them, or whatever their shape, they are fine picnic fare and a great alternative to burgers. You'll want to serve them with lavash flatbread or pita. To round out the meal, offer a couple of fresh summery salads. These are visually impressive and beautiful served in big bowls or on platters. Recipes: Herbed Cucumber-Yogurt Salad | Tomato-Feta Salad A cucumber salad dressed with tart yogurt and lots of chopped dill and mint makes a cooling, pleasantly refreshing and saucy accompaniment. This is a handy, brightly flavored salad to make all summer long. Cherry tomatoes make a colorful zesty salad that's good on its own or very welcome as a picnic side dish. They are halved and tossed with a garlicky vinaigrette, roughly chopped olives, cilantro and parsley and a shower of crumbled feta. Recipe: Sesame-Coconut Shortbreads Dessert can be fruit or ice cream, but I suggest these delicious shortbread-like cookies made with tahini, sesame seeds and a touch of coconut. Easy to transport and not overly sweet, they make the most divine nibbling for your picnic pleasure. Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest. Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice.
