Fish King

Fish King
722 N Glendale Ave
Glendale, CA 91206
818-244-2161

A friend told me about Fish King in Glendale. She liked the grilled fish she got.  So, I decided to give them a try!  Fish King has three sections to the store/restaurant.  You walk into the fish market- you can get fresh seafood- to the left is their sushi department.  They make fresh sushi and rolls.  To the right is the galley- where you can get fried or grilled seafood.

There are tables at the sushi and galley.  It's a casual setup, with the food served in paper boats, and paper plates.

Calm chowder bowl- $5.95- Very thin and runny.  A decent amount of clams and potatoes.  There is no bacon in this clam chowder.  They could thicken the chowder and add a bit more seasoning.  A small portion for a bowl!

Crunch Jumbo shrimp- $3.25.  The thick batter is the same as the fish and crab cakes.  This was about 75% shrimp and 25% batter. Along with the other fried items I ordered, they weren't fried to order.  They were cooked and sitting under heat lamps. 

Crunch fried fish-$3.95- The fish used is cod.  But, this also lacked seasoning and the batter was too thick for the amount of cod.  I'm guessing 65% fish and 35% batter. 

Half order crab cakes- $5.50- I've never had deep fried,  I was expecting all batter, but there was a good amount of crab mixture.  This wasn't all crab, but a good amount of crab, not jumbo lump but claw meat.

Service was very unfriendly!  The lady who took my order never smiled and had a mean look on her face the entire time.  Not very welcoming.  I was shocked when she politely answered my questions. The food arrived in a good amount of time.

I may go back to King Fish to try their grilled fish and sushi. I wasn't impressed with any of their fried seafood items.

Tacos Cancun-Closed

Tacos Cancun
459 W Broadway
Glendale, CA 91204
818-396-5584

Tacos Cancun is a small tacos restaurant on the western part of Glendale.  There are about ten tables in the dining area.  You order at the counter and pick up your food at the window.

 Grilled shrimp taco-$2.50.  A bit dry, they need to add more crema, though they did give you a mild green salsa.  There were about 4-5 small sized shrimp.  Your choice of flour or corn tortilla.

 Grilled fish taco- $2.50- They use pollock, and it's grilled.  As with the shrimp tacos, it was a bit dry. 

Service is friendly and good.

I won't go back to Tacos Cancun for the fish or shrimp tacos.  Nothing special about them.

Adana Restaurant

Adana Restaurant
6918 San Fernando Rd
Glendale, CA 91201
818-843-6237

As most people know LA Times food critic, Jonathan Gold, passed away on Saturday July 23, 2018.  I have been to a few restaurants in Gold's 2017 101 Best Restaurants in LA; Mariscos Jalisco, which started as a food truck and then opened a restaurant in Pomona, Langers, Howlin' Rays, Kogi, Parks BBQ, Jitlada, and Night + Market Song.  As a tribute to Jonathan Gold I picked a restaurant that I've never been to.  That's how I ended up at Adana. 

A few blocks north of Continental Gourmet Sausage is Adana.  This is an industrial area of Glendale and while the outside doesn't look like much, the inside is very elaborate!!  Nice crown molding, a couple murals, and nice warm colors.  The tables and chairs scream banquet facility.

When it comes to kebobs in Glendale, my two go to places are Raffi's and Shiraz.  Let's see how Adana compares.

Salmon kebob, $24, with Persian salad and hummus.  The salmon, which looked overcooked, was pretty good.  A decent sized piece of farm raised salmon that was moist and flavorful.  The rice was bland.  The portion, both the salmon and rice, weren't as large as Raffi's and Shiraz!  I liked the hummus, very smooth.  The persian salad was fresh with persian cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon juice and olive oil dressing.

Service was ok.  There was only one person working, and he had about five tables total.  There were plenty of times I didn't seem him in the dining room.  He never asked how everything was.  But, then again he was busy.


After going to Adana, Raffi's and Shiraz are still my go to places.  Nothing bad about Adana, but I think both Raffi's and Shiraz are better!

Shake Shack

Shake Shack
252 S Brand Blvd
Glendale, CA 91204
818-858-1612

Shake Shack is the the New York based burger chain, that has tried to make a dent into the stranglehold  In N Out has on burger lovers in Los Angeles.

The Glendale location is across the street from the ugly, fake Americana shopping complex.  It's a big restaurant with seating to the right as you walk in.  There are some tables outside too.

Shroom Burger, $6.99, Crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheese, topped with lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce.

Crinkle cut fries-$2.99.

Since I don't eat meat, with the exception of the occasional fried chicken, I tried the shroom burger.  I wish it wasn't deep fried, because portobello mushroom burgers are great!! But, the portobello mushroom is stuffed with cheese and then deep fried.  It was good burger, but not great.  Certainly, not mind blowing.  Yes, I understand the pull for Shake Shack are the burgers with beef. I thought the ShackSauce was pretty good, a combination of ketchup and mayo.

The crinkle cut fries were very good. Nice and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Service was good.  But, the door you enter goes right into the line to order, and they have the lines sectioned off into two parts, but there are three cashiers.  Why not just have one line that is roped. I got into one section and the guy in front of me took forever to order.  The other section two or three people finished ordering before I even got to order.

I don't see what all the hype if about for Shake Shack.  It's ok, but I won't rush back!

Hikari Sushi

Hikari Sushi
2064 Verdugo Blvd
Glendale, CA 91020
818-957-1800

Just east of Sushi Plus, is Hikari Sushi, a fairly new all you can eat sushi restaurant.  Back in the late 1980's in this strip mall, there used to be a great fried chicken restaurant.  I can't remember the name, but if any readers remember the name of that fried chicken restaurant, please email me.  I remember the fried chicken came in plain white buckets, at a time when the Colonel gave his fried chicken in boxes!

Anyways, Hikari has taken over three units in this complex.  You enter at the far right door.  If you walk straight there are some tables.  To the left is the large sushi bar and more tables.  It's a well lit restaurant.

Most of the sushi was good quality for all you can eat. 

 Tuna, crab, shrimp and halibut nigri sushi. 

 In and out shrimp roll-shrimp and avocado on top.  Inside-shrimp tempura, crab meat, and cucumber.

Spicy tuna roll.

Ichi roll-shrim and avocado on top.  California roll inside.

 Tiger roll-spicy tuna, shrimp tempura and avocado.

Vegetable hand roll-carrots, asparagus, daikon, and avocado.

Shrimp roll-

Calamari appetizer-this was more of a calamari salad.  There was salad-lettuce, some carrots, and a dressing under the calamari.  The calamari was hot, almost right out of the fryer, crispy and fairly good for a frozen item.

Service while dining was very good.  The two ladies who helped me were nice and brought food quickly.  They explained how the all you can eat system works. I had no issues with service while I was dining.  I have big issues with the lady who was the host.  She is a server too, but she is a bitch!  I wanted to watch Game 6 of the ALCS.  They had a couple tv's that were showing a commercial.  I asked her what game is on that TV.  She was rude and mean and a bitch!  It's a good thing she didn't come to my table, because I would have told her to get the hell away from my table.

Overall the sushi here is good.  Decent sized fish, that is fresh.  But, the server/hostess needs to go.  I won't be back!

Mambo’s Cafe

Mambo’s Cafe
1701 Victory Blvd
Glendale, CA 91201
818-545-8613

I first heard of Mambo’s Cafe on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and it has been on my bucketlist of places to try since 2010.  Finally, I made it to Mambo's!

While their location is Glendale,  it's not the part of Glendale most people know.  It's on the order of Burbank and just south of the 5 freeway.  It has to be a former gas station in a former life, but a nice restaurant now.  A nice counter with about eight seats and a good sized dining room.  They have live jazz every Tuesday.

Camarones Al Ajillo (with Vegetable Rice & Sm. Salad) Shrimp Grilled, topped with Special Garlic Sauce, $16.95.  

While this was a very good dish- the vegetable rice had onions, corn, peas, and cooked in a broth that made it very flavorful, the seven medium sized shrimp were well cooked and the garlic sauce had a nice flavor, the portion size is terrible!  I mean even when ordering shrimp fried rice you get about a dozen shrimp and most places it's around $10.  Yes, I know I am comparing a Chinese dish with a Cuban dish.  But, I could do the same with a Peruvian dish-shrimp with noodles.

Service is pretty good.  While they came around often, were friendly, they never once asked how everything was!!

I wouldn't go back to Mambo's Cafe.  While the food was good, the portion size and price do not make this a good value.

Schreiner's Fine Sausages

Schreiner's Fine Sausages
3417 Ocean View Blvd
Glendale
818-244-4735

Schreiner's Fine Sausages is a long time Glendale institution.  They have a big deli case full of deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and meats.  The other half the building is their dining area, where you can order sandwiches.  

Hot dog, $2.80, with mustard.  A hot dog on a French roll?  Come on.  The hot dog could have been very good, but it was served lukewarm, and the skin was tough and chewy.  If they had steamed the hot dog properly, this could have been a very good hot dog.  The hot dogs sell for about $6.29 a pound in the deli case.  The roll was too tough and just overwhelmed the hot dog.  They need to use a regular hot dog bun!

Corned beef sandwich on roll with mustard, $4.05.   I'm not expecting New York deli corned beef like I get from Canter's Deli, but this corned beef was like any corned beef you get from Boar's Head or a supermarket deli case.  When you order the sandwich they ask if you want the sandwich hot or cold.  I asked for hot, and I'm betting the meat was put in the microwave and heated for about 30 seconds. 

Service was good.  For some reason Schreiner's was packed when I went, but they moved the line quickly and your food is served quickly. 

I was disappointed in Schreiner's because I heard very good things about it.  The hot dog could have been good, if they cooked it properly.  But, the corned beef sandwich was no better than a supermarket sandwich.  I would go back and buy some hot dogs from the deli, so I can cook them myself.  But, I wouldn't go back for their sandwiches.

Corner BBQ-Closed

Corner BBQ
3740 San Fernando Rd
Glendale
818-547-5555

When I first passed by Corner BBQ, I was surprised to see a BBQ restaurant open in Glendale.  When I walked up to Corner BBQ, I saw their picture menu and saw kebobs!  I'll admit I was a bit disappointed because I wanted BBQ.  But, I like kebobs and figured I was already there and figured I should give them a try.

Corner BBQ is a more casual, counter service restaurant.  They are comparable to Mediterranean Delight  or Kebab Way, two other casual, counter service kebobs restaurants that I've reviewed.  It's a fairly small location with a few tables inside and about four outside.  It's a west facing restaurant, so if you go in the summer during the later afternoon, it is hot and the sun is just beating down on you.

Chicken breast, $8.99, with salad and pita bread.  The rice is just plain white rice, no seasoning, nothing.  The chicken breast was a bit dry and chewy.  I wasn't impressed.  The portion size is generous for the price.

The salad was great!  Fresh veggies topped by a tangy white dressing.  I also loved their garlic sauce, which was heavy on the garlic, which is fine with me!

Falafel- 99 cents each.  A very interesting shaped falafel, more like a veggie patty than any falafel I've had.  I also saw him pan fry the falafel and not deep fried like I've seen most restaurant do.  But, a wonderful crust and flavor.  A bit spicy but not overpowering.  The quality of the falafel combined with the generous amount, makes this a steal!!

Service was good.  I assume the man who took my order is the owner and he was very nice and friendly.

I don't think I'll be coming back for the kebobs at Corner BBQ.  But, this maybe the best falafel I've had.

Mediterranean Delight

Mediterranean Delight
126 S Brand Blvd
Glendale
818-543-3272

Glendale is filled with Middle Eastern restaurants; Counter service restaurants like, Kebab Way, and full service restaurants like Shiraz, Raffi's Place, Carousel, and Elena's.  So, when I was in Glendale recently, I wanted to try a new middle eastern restaurant.  I went online and found Mediterranean Delight, which was much easier to find than the actual restaurant.

Mediterranean Delight is a small counter service restaurant.  There are a few tables inside, along with some outdoor seating.   Mediterranean Delight is located in a walk way, so you do no see their sign when you're on Brand Blvd.  The restaurant across from Mediterranean Delight is Vegas Seafood Buffet, that was packed, I may have to pay them a visit.

Chicken breast dinner plate, $8.70 with rice, salad, hummus, pita bread, and tomato.  The chicken was moist, juicy and flavorful!  The portion size was very generous, especially for the low price.  The rice was fluffy and cooked perfectly.  The salad was bagged salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.  The hummus was very smooth, but a bit bland I prefer hummus with more garlic.  But, overall a damn good chicken breast kebob.  Well worth the price. 

Four falafel al carte, $2.  This is among the best falafel that I have ever had!!  Crunchy on the outside, with a moist flavorful inside.  Just wonderful and you can tell they made this fresh!!

Service was very good.  We were greeted when we entered and the server was very nice and helpful.

Mediterranean Delight blows away the other counter service Middle Eastern restaurant, Kebab Way, that I've tried in Glendale.  And comes very close to Shirazz and Raffi's place in terms of quality, even though both of those places are full service restaurants.  I would go back to Mediterranean Delight anytime!!  What a wonderful discovery.  

Mario's Italian Deli & Market

Mario's Italian Deli & Market
740 E Broadway
Glendale
818-242-4114

I reviewed Mario's Italian Deli & Market, over six years ago. While I did say I would not return, I changed my mind, because I wanted to try their Italian cold cut combo sandwich. It's weird, as recently as two years ago I had never had an Italian cold cut combo sandwich anywhere!! Then I got one at Capri Deli & Kitchen, and it's my usual sandwich at any Italian deli.
 
Mario's is both an Italian market and deli.  The deli counter is huge, it goes about the length of the store.  If you're ordering a sandwich make sure you take a number.  They have a good selection of soda including many imported sodas.  There are about 6-8 tables if you want to eat there.  A Glendale fixture since 1961, which was also the first year of the Los Angeles Angels. Real baseball fans know that the LA Angels played their first season at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. Unlike the drunk, idiot, loser Chicago Cubs fans, they also know that the first night game at Wrigley Field was in 1961, not 1988 when the Chicago Cubs continued their losing ways. Hey loser Cubs fans leave Bartman alone!! It wasn't his fault, it was your loser players who lost the game and series!! I love knowing the Cubs best chance of winning the World Series ended when the Houston Astros moved to the American League. If the, then Florida, now Miami Marlins had moved to the American League, the Back to the Future 2 prediction may have come true. Isn't it pathetic that the sorry loser Chicago Cubs fan base have to rely on a stupid movie for their World Series title hopes? There is no such thing as a curse!! It's about loser players, owners, managers, and especially fans!

The best play ever by any Chicago Cubs player; Rick Monday, who at the time was playing for the Chicago Cubs. He save the American Flag from being burned by two pinko gutless losers.:

Italian cold cut combo; $8.65, mortadella, salami, cappocollo, and ham.  Mario's still cuts the bread into three pieces.  The Italian roll is a bit too hard and chewy for my taste.  The triple cut is weird and unnecessary.  But, the meats are good quality meats.  The salami was had a very nice flavor.  The cappocollo was also very good.

Service was better than last time.  It still takes a bit long to make the sandwich, but overall the people were friendly and helpful.

The bread is just too tough and chewy for me to come back for a sandwich at Mario's.  But, the quality of the meat is very good.  I would come back and get a few pounds of each and make a sandwiches with better bread!

Continental Gourmet Sausage

Continental Gourmet Sausage
6406 San Fernando Rd
Glendale
818-502-1447

I heard some good things about Continental Gourmet Sausage, but I also got some wrong information about them, so it affected my review.

I was expecting a place that sold hot dogs and sausages that were prepared and you could eat there. But, Continental Gourmet Sausage is really a butcher shop that sells cold cuts, hot dogs, and sausages for you to prepare at home.




They do sell a few sandwiches, but I wanted a sausage, so I got the Polish sausage Sandwich, $4.94. The polish sausage was ok, nothing great. A decent spice profile, decent quality meats, but not worth the price for this sandwich and I don't think it was worth their price per pound, which was about $4. The bread was pretty good, with a nice chewy firm texture.

Service is ok. They don't speak or understand much English. It was like pulling teeth trying to just get a damn polish sausage or hot dog!! Again it was expecting a restaurant or at least a deli that served food, instead I got a deli that had limited experience serving food.

I wasn't impressed at all with the polish sausage at Continental Gourmet Sausage and wouldn't by the sausage by the pound. So there is no reason for me to go back there.