The best Armenian restaurant in L.A. is this tiny family-run kebab joint in Glendale | Off Menu

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  • Опубліковано 18 лис 2019
  • This week, Lucas goes to Glendale to eat Armenian food at Mini Kabob. The restaurant is run by the Martirosyan family. Ovakim and his wife, Alvard took over the business over 25 years ago and now their son, Armen handles much of the day-to-day. We spend a lunch service with the family and pack into their tiny kitchen to document how the family works together to operate the sometimes chaotic, but always beloved three-table restaurant. We also go to Armen's second business venture, Mid East Tacos in Highland Park, to see how he's implementing the culinary lessons he's learned from Mini Kabob into an Angeleno fusion of Mexican and Armenian food.
    For more food coverage, restaurant reviews, recipes, and the latest food news subscribe to the L.A. Times. www.latimes.com/subscribe
    In this episode:
    Mini Kabob
    / mini-kabob-247156719360
    Connect with us:
    / latimesfood
    / latimesfood
    / latimesfood
    #offmenu
    #losangeles
    #armenia

КОМЕНТАРІ • 214

  • @lucaskwanpeterson2010
    @lucaskwanpeterson2010 4 роки тому +145

    This is one of my favorite episodes! I love everything about Mini Kabob -- the vibe, the people, the food, everything. Thanks for tuning into another episode of OFF MENU. If you liked it, please like our video, subscribe, and tell all your powerful celebrity friends! Thanks and see you next week!! XxX Lucas

    • @eddieagr
      @eddieagr 4 роки тому +4

      this new series u got with l.a times is the best thing on youtube rn. killing it. are you on t.v yet?
      '

    • @lucaskwanpeterson2010
      @lucaskwanpeterson2010 4 роки тому +2

      Eddie Aguero bro thank you! 🙌

    • @lespaniel9745
      @lespaniel9745 4 роки тому +2

      This is a great short. crazy how 12 min. got me in the feels so hard.

    • @ki6eki
      @ki6eki 4 роки тому +2

      Another great video!

    • @picklestirfry
      @picklestirfry 4 роки тому

      wait are you from the University of Washington?

  • @thatgirljo2119
    @thatgirljo2119 4 роки тому +118

    Such a great son. Much prosperity to them.

    • @lucaskwanpeterson2010
      @lucaskwanpeterson2010 4 роки тому +8

      Armen's a great guy. Thank you for watching!

    • @King-uh8zz
      @King-uh8zz Рік тому +1

      This is original Adana Kebap with the traditional Adana Onion Salat. 🇹🇷
      100% Turkish Food.
      Not armenian.
      Almost every food in the armenian's kitchen has it's origin in Türkiye.
      At the end, its the true.

    • @lovejesus7775
      @lovejesus7775 11 місяців тому

      @@King-uh8zz gna kunem moret

    • @ouinon4394
      @ouinon4394 9 місяців тому

      shut up@@King-uh8zz

    • @NiteStorm324
      @NiteStorm324 7 місяців тому

      ​@@King-uh8zzkiss my Azz

  • @groovewithme
    @groovewithme 4 роки тому +12

    Been going to Mini Kabob for years! This family is not putting it on just for the cameras. They are by far the NICEST family. Everything is done by order (aka things are not pre-made and take time to be lovingly prepared). Much love and success to this family. They deserve all the accolades!!!

  • @rokeeffe91
    @rokeeffe91 4 роки тому +80

    Awwww! don't cry Armen! What a sweetheart taking care of his parents!!

    • @wetcake9092
      @wetcake9092 4 роки тому +3

      Lucas paused a little long to draw the tears out of him

    • @King-uh8zz
      @King-uh8zz Рік тому +1

      This is original Adana Kebap with the traditional Adana Onion Salat. 🇹🇷
      100% Turkish Food.
      Not armenian.
      Almost every food in the armenian's kitchen has it's origin in Türkiye.
      Don't be mad, but its the true.

    • @TigranHakobyan-jh8ue
      @TigranHakobyan-jh8ue 16 днів тому

      @@King-uh8zzshut up and go back to the steppe

  • @sugreev2001
    @sugreev2001 4 роки тому +40

    I had Armenian friends in school, and they’re a great people. Unfortunately, there aren’t any Armenian food joints where I live and the community, while present, is extremely small for a restaurant serving their kind of food to be profitable. Anyway, I’m definitely hitting this place if ever I go to LA. Great episode.

    • @King-uh8zz
      @King-uh8zz Рік тому +1

      This is original Adana Kebap with the traditional Adana Onion Salat. 🇹🇷
      100% Turkish Food.
      Not armenian.
      Almost every food in the armenian's kitchen has it's origin in Türkiye.
      Best Greetings. 😁🙋‍♂️

    • @ShittyMcPoopyBalls
      @ShittyMcPoopyBalls Рік тому +2

      @@King-uh8zz damn bro ur cool

    • @NiteStorm324
      @NiteStorm324 7 місяців тому

      ​​@@King-uh8zzshut yo goofy ahh up

    • @NiteStorm324
      @NiteStorm324 7 місяців тому

      ​@@King-uh8zzkiss my azz

  • @jenniferflores6557
    @jenniferflores6557 4 роки тому +12

    I used to live next door and this has been my comfort food. Everybody I bring here gets their minds blown by this restaurant! Years ago, I ordered trays of their food and brought them to the Philippines so I can share it with my family!

  • @thoughtdistorted
    @thoughtdistorted 4 роки тому +41

    I loved this episode!! Best one yet. I think a lot of first generation born Americans are doing what Armen is doing. Our parents came over here work their asses off to give us a good life...so we work to give back to our parents.

  • @dionysoscub
    @dionysoscub 4 роки тому +20

    Best episode so far. Armen, your parents are truly blessed to have a son like you.

  • @Xyz-gf5op
    @Xyz-gf5op 4 роки тому +14

    Of all the youtube food reviewers, I like Lucas the most. He tells a story rather than gulping down food and say how juicy it is. The son (s) also rises....

  • @britneyrobles5036
    @britneyrobles5036 4 роки тому +25

    Such a touching story and what a lovely family. I grew up in L.A in the mid 80's and in elementary school I met lots of Armenian kids. I love the food the culture very much like ours back in the old country.

    • @ashog1426
      @ashog1426 4 роки тому

      The old country? Lol Mexico is pretty advanced

    • @King-uh8zz
      @King-uh8zz Рік тому +1

      This is original Adana Kebap with the traditional Adana Onion Salat. 🇹🇷
      100% Turkish Food.
      Not armenian.
      Almost every food in the armenian's kitchen has it's origin in Türkiye.
      You know that im right.
      Don't be mad. 😁🙋‍♂️🇹🇷

  • @soniasg8639
    @soniasg8639 4 роки тому +12

    Bless his family! He has a good heart!

  • @jalomcurameng530
    @jalomcurameng530 4 роки тому +6

    Ate here once, outstanding quality got that old school feeling when I grew up in Glendale, before the city became a tourist zone. Met the wife and husband, very nice even talked to us about the food while I was there. Glad Armen kept the tradition alive there.

  • @jameskwon7617
    @jameskwon7617 4 роки тому +45

    This is a classic story of immigration. A classic story of love learned over time as life moves forward and an understanding that sacrifices were made for a new generation....not caring whether those sacrifices would ever be awarded in their lifetimes. That is pure love... and this is being returned by the new generation. Much success to you and your parents.

    • @ayshay90
      @ayshay90 4 роки тому

      James Kwon loved every word

    • @King-uh8zz
      @King-uh8zz Рік тому +1

      This is original Adana Kebap with the traditional Adana Onion Salat. 🇹🇷
      100% Turkish Food.
      Not armenian.
      Almost every food in the armenian's kitchen has it's origin in Türkiye.
      Best Greetings to everyone. 😁🇹🇷🙋‍♂️

    • @SG-cb6xg
      @SG-cb6xg 11 місяців тому

      @@King-uh8zz how is that possible? can you explain? Turkey doesn't have a national history that long

  • @dikpose
    @dikpose 4 роки тому +24

    I discovered Mini Kabob earlier this year and started going there every week or two, I have to, the food is amazing!! And I love that family! They are the best!!!

  • @juicyj3413
    @juicyj3413 4 роки тому +5

    I absolutely love this family&the rare respect that the songas for his mom&dad with their hard work.

  • @lifeofthesanjuans
    @lifeofthesanjuans 4 роки тому +5

    Mini Kabob is so good and you feel so at home. You get to eat and talk to Armen and his parent at the same time. Such a great experience. If you get lucky, get a table and enjoy the experience instead of take out

  • @Sonny1065LV
    @Sonny1065LV 4 роки тому +10

    Finally Mini Kabob is getting some love, best Armenian food in Southern Cal.

  • @Robynfound
    @Robynfound 4 роки тому +10

    First: you are such an amazing listener and ask the best questions, Lucas. I loved this episode and I cried as Armen got choked up ... I will go to Mini Kabob, the next time I am down in, LA

  • @phillie9284
    @phillie9284 4 роки тому +13

    What a nice video. I live in the neighborhood right in the middle of these two establishments. I pass through both these places all the time but I have never visited. now hearing their story, I'm going for sure.

  • @jenarddecastro2597
    @jenarddecastro2597 4 роки тому +6

    Thank you Lucas. . . Such a wonderful story about this family and their little restaurant!!!

  • @yadthink
    @yadthink 4 роки тому +8

    Amazing story of one family's hard work and determination to create their own American dream. Thanks, Lucas!

  • @truebornracer100
    @truebornracer100 4 роки тому +8

    This is beautiful, thank you for telling their story

  • @csorange
    @csorange 4 роки тому +4

    This by far is my favorite episode! Really well told story of how this restaurant started. I was also getting choked up.

  • @kathyerickson9402
    @kathyerickson9402 4 роки тому +5

    That was lovely! The food looks fantastic...both for Mini Kabob and Mid East Tacos...and the family works so hard to serve the neighborhood. And to see a son so clearly want to care for his aging parents by building on what they've worked so hard to sustain is beautiful. I wish them many years of success and happiness. (And your outfit was cute but not flashy, allowing the viewer to focus on the food. Very clever!)

  • @Veeisforvictory
    @Veeisforvictory 2 роки тому +2

    I’ve eaten here before… and it really is good food! I like the cozy atmosphere that makes it feel like mom is cooking for you. I remember that they really strive to please and make your experience a good one.

  • @M3_86
    @M3_86 4 роки тому +15

    if you're korean you gotta go here. The dad will say "oh, you korean! come, my friends are korean!" lol

  • @stellastai7101
    @stellastai7101 4 роки тому +7

    Lucas, Lucas, Lucas. You cannot be serious. I am not going to tell you what to wear because I am sitting here busting a gut laughing. I'm sorry I live on the East coast. My mouth was watering. I will visit Mini Kabob if I'm in the area. Message to Armen: ALL best wishes to you and your start up.

  • @trih5215
    @trih5215 4 роки тому +50

    Mark Weins went to Mini Kabob and loved it too!!!!

  • @davidkhachatryan6724
    @davidkhachatryan6724 4 роки тому +9

    God bless this Family

  • @erins.5420
    @erins.5420 3 роки тому +2

    A good, handsome, young Arminian man. He is a great catch for any young woman with the more fun, traditional values. I have the best times and greatest memories at my Armenian friends family get togethers and parties. I don’t think this is with every family (which is true with any family or community regardless of nationality or religion) but I find my friends whom are Arminian, their family members are hyper involved and really show and express the love they have for their family openly for everyone to see.

  • @ManmeetSingh235
    @ManmeetSingh235 4 роки тому +22

    This is really inspiring..

    • @lucaskwanpeterson2010
      @lucaskwanpeterson2010 4 роки тому +1

      it's really a wonderful place. You should check it out!

    • @ManmeetSingh235
      @ManmeetSingh235 4 роки тому +1

      @@lucaskwanpeterson2010 If i ever happen to travel to the US and they are still open, i definitely will!

  • @brandofhero
    @brandofhero 4 роки тому +9

    This episode moved me to tears

  • @anthonyornelas9921
    @anthonyornelas9921 4 роки тому +3

    I'm not exactly sure what to say, but I LOVED this episode! Armen... Thank you!

  • @Charlyky
    @Charlyky 4 роки тому +3

    I’ve heard great things about this restaurant. Now knowing the story and the family that puts their heart and soul into their food makes me want to go even more. Awesome episode! ❤️

  • @domeskeetz
    @domeskeetz 4 роки тому +31

    These videos are incredible, this channel is only gonna grow. I love lucas and the whole production team is killing it.

  • @loansmart7616
    @loansmart7616 4 роки тому +15

    The dad is a bad ass. Good food, great parents. They need to appreciate Armenian customers and not show favoritism towards silverlake hipsters. They believe Armenians don't know how leave reviews online

  • @soldn6068
    @soldn6068 4 роки тому +9

    amazing i will deffo go support these guys when in LA

  • @AlexHernandez-up5kf
    @AlexHernandez-up5kf 4 роки тому +14

    This is beautiful art.

  • @robertodiaz7859
    @robertodiaz7859 3 роки тому +2

    Good job Armen. Its great to have a grateful son!

  • @eddieagr
    @eddieagr 4 роки тому +8

    12/10 great video. good job again lucas. killed it. U STILL NEED A TV SHOW

  • @rogergarcia1550
    @rogergarcia1550 4 роки тому +8

    What a great vlog! I will DEFINITELY visit this establishment.

  • @uhh1tsfuzzy
    @uhh1tsfuzzy 4 роки тому +7

    When i saw the thumbnail, i was hoping that it would be Mini Kabob coz it is the best spot in Glendale. Thank goodness it was Mini Kabob! I prefer this spot over Raffis.

  • @danielvho
    @danielvho 4 роки тому +4

    Great episode. Thank you for sharing

  • @ercaramirez80
    @ercaramirez80 4 роки тому +2

    My boss brought this in for lunch one day n whenever we have free lunch at work we're like go to mini kabob!!! So happy they will be expanding soon to glendora!!

  • @thngotiatr
    @thngotiatr 4 роки тому +12

    Pops always tells me to eat the tomatoes, it’s good for man. Yes pops, I always do 👍🏼

  • @haykt5492
    @haykt5492 4 роки тому +8

    Thank you for representing us brother. Much respect to my Armenian people

    • @King-uh8zz
      @King-uh8zz Рік тому +1

      This is original Adana Kebap with the traditional Adana Onion Salat. 🇹🇷
      100% Turkish Food.
      Not armenian.
      Thats the true.
      Almost every food in the armenian's kitchen has it's origin in Türkiye.
      You know that. 😁🇹🇷

  • @joycee532love
    @joycee532love Рік тому

    That was an amazing episode! Thank you for interviewing them!

  • @NKTran83
    @NKTran83 4 роки тому +5

    Loved this place!! The food was amazing!! They’ve closed due to the pandemic. Tough decisions. Best of wishes to them.

    • @Catire92
      @Catire92 3 роки тому

      Is closed forever?

    • @donniezawadski2047
      @donniezawadski2047 3 роки тому

      His father didn't want change the concept so he closed. Good people . Old ways sometimes don't work

  • @auntiehelenrizpah
    @auntiehelenrizpah Рік тому

    My Sister and I just love 💕 Mini Kabob!! Armen and his Mom are just darling. Thank you for your service 💝

  • @arbia8666
    @arbia8666 3 роки тому +1

    Just happen to watch this . I’ve lived in glendale and haven’t been there which is a shame . I’ll be stopping by this week to support my Awsome people and of course try some delicious food .

  • @voisin24cooking50
    @voisin24cooking50 4 роки тому +3

    Back at it again Keep em coming

  • @slaskina
    @slaskina 3 роки тому

    Lucas is such a great and authentic listener. Very enjoyable to watch! Thank you!

  • @yellowblue4045
    @yellowblue4045 4 роки тому +1

    This was such a beautiful, honest, and heartfelt episode. Good people & good food. 💜

  • @sarahbonner6178
    @sarahbonner6178 4 роки тому +5

    Best episode yet.

  • @dubKLUFF
    @dubKLUFF 4 роки тому +3

    AMAZING EPISODE !

  • @bayag80
    @bayag80 4 роки тому

    Just ordered food from mini kabob a few hours ago, arrived it was closed but Armen was kind enough to ask the kitchen to make an order for us. God bless him and his family. I grew up in Glendale, much has changed but it still feels like home.

  • @calvindexter75
    @calvindexter75 4 роки тому +3

    Beautiful episode.

  • @afirblameikon
    @afirblameikon 4 роки тому +15

    Good interview.
    Inspired by Armen.

  • @sarahr7890
    @sarahr7890 4 роки тому +9

    Ah, ❤ Lucas. You are so good at asking the intimate questions and then being so sensitive to the answers.

  • @foodwithmichel
    @foodwithmichel 4 роки тому +2

    This place is seriously one of my favorite eats 🙌🏻

  • @goatman67al
    @goatman67al 4 роки тому +2

    Great episode Lucas! Your best work. Mini Kabob and Raffi’s Place are my two favorite restaurants in Glendale.

  • @kimh9283
    @kimh9283 4 роки тому +2

    My new favorite watch...missed you Lucas.

  • @JennHarris
    @JennHarris 4 роки тому +6

    Love this!

  • @1313sp
    @1313sp 4 роки тому +2

    What a sweet family. I hope they keep prospering. But Lucas looks cute always so no need to worry about what you wear!

  • @francesregal4589
    @francesregal4589 4 роки тому +1

    My new favorite food show...Inspiring a few field trips in my future for sure.

  • @cloroxbleach1872
    @cloroxbleach1872 4 роки тому

    great episode

  • @ericwching
    @ericwching 4 роки тому +1

    Been on this for a long time!
    Love the parents!

  • @Oilofmercy
    @Oilofmercy 3 роки тому +1

    Awww so amazing. I will visit when in Glendale. Shad merci.

  • @genearrington6458
    @genearrington6458 Рік тому

    Discovered Mini Kabob looking at YELP reviews while visiting Family in Glendale 2012. Eat there whenever we visit. Walked by Mini Kabob the first time and missed it, but smelled the food, Turned around, Met Ovakim and Alvard who treated us like family. Go is it this small Restaurant. You will not be disappointed.

  • @ronin223
    @ronin223 4 роки тому +2

    Wow that was really moving.

  • @Th-qu8yq
    @Th-qu8yq 4 роки тому +2

    Homeboy is fine.....Armen is just as cute as he can be.

  • @basenvy
    @basenvy 4 роки тому +2

    Love this place. Food is fantastic.

  • @foontes5187
    @foontes5187 4 роки тому +3

    Thanks Lucas!!!

  • @MikeNizzle
    @MikeNizzle 4 роки тому +5

    What an amazing story of the american immigrant!

  • @beautyshines5530
    @beautyshines5530 2 роки тому

    Great video!

  • @MrAsatryanMR
    @MrAsatryanMR 4 роки тому +1

    I’ve eaten here with my family before, a hole in a wall place but one of the best kabobs I’ve ever tried. Friendly family. My 4 year old wasn’t eating, so the cook ( the dad ) promised him chocolate if he finished his food. So my li’ll one did sure enough and got his chocolate at the end lol. Just a welcoming family restaurant. I really recommend plus the food is finger licking.

  • @existingcard
    @existingcard 4 роки тому

    I enjoyed it 👏.

  • @AnshuKumar-lg7uw
    @AnshuKumar-lg7uw 4 роки тому +1

    Beautiful family. Very nice restaurant.

  • @accutane666
    @accutane666 4 роки тому +3

    :o He's done it again!

  • @beautyshines5530
    @beautyshines5530 2 роки тому

    What a beautiful family 💕

  • @bigdaddyray100
    @bigdaddyray100 3 роки тому +1

    Love this spot is small but the food more then makes up for the size of d rest , plus just seen mom and dad work is pretty kool , my mom favorite place for kabobs mind you were salvadoreans hehe

  • @Xach2010
    @Xach2010 8 місяців тому

    As i am a cook i do the same as Armen,but in Begium,i came here 25 years ago,im 36 now,but as Armenian tradishan we got to take care of ower perants

  • @lucinders
    @lucinders 4 роки тому +1

    Your outfit was fine but remember those t-shirts that you used to wear in the Eater series. I really enjoyed the graphics on those. If you can bring that back, it would be great.

  • @Pixlanta
    @Pixlanta 4 роки тому +1

    I love this channel, it is so interesting, thoroughly attention grabbing...thank you

  • @neongreenninja5433
    @neongreenninja5433 4 роки тому +1

    Nice ! Go Armenia! great culture w/ great foods

  • @karlbaratta9086
    @karlbaratta9086 4 роки тому

    The absolute best!!!!!

  • @chromebomb
    @chromebomb 4 роки тому +8

    SMALL?! 4th largest city in LA county

  • @fernandomartinezreyna1836
    @fernandomartinezreyna1836 4 роки тому +7

    Glendale Bro! (Armenian accent) Inchka Ahpe...

  • @judytrinh
    @judytrinh 4 роки тому

    lovely man ❤️ :')

  • @joypatron1
    @joypatron1 4 роки тому

    sweet

  • @jilltengan
    @jilltengan 4 роки тому

    Outfit definitely cute! 😂

  • @bengarrido638
    @bengarrido638 4 роки тому

    what is the band or music during Mid East Taco part? I like it

  • @canadianrealtyadvertising3552
    @canadianrealtyadvertising3552 4 роки тому

    Passion

  • @Pixlanta
    @Pixlanta 4 роки тому +2

    Lucas you're always so cute ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @anatoseeds
    @anatoseeds 4 роки тому +2

    Hi Lucas!!!!

  • @K1k05
    @K1k05 4 роки тому +4

    👍Very nice Lucas... 8^}

  • @allentlee1
    @allentlee1 4 роки тому +3

    Lucas!

  • @asusasus5277
    @asusasus5277 4 роки тому +2

    Lucas finally found you!

  • @clip012
    @clip012 4 роки тому +6

    Is this where Sona Movsesian lives?

  • @narstep3266
    @narstep3266 3 роки тому

    Hayer jan