Pakistani -> Ravi Kabob -> Arlington, VA

Coworker and I came here for a bite as I had not packed lunch. No pics.

Ravi Kabob Special (Chicken and Sekkeh) – The naan was ok, a bit on the drier side. The entree came in a three compartment tray with the kabobs in the larger area. A salad in one of small ones and a rice and chickpea mixture in the other. Wished there was more rice. The Chickpea mixture was not that spicy rather it had a mild bland taste./ The kabobs were a bit on the dried side. They were however flavored well.

Decor: The place was packed when we came in. Good thing we got them to go. A depressing brownish hue to the floor and walls. The people who were at the counter though were very very nice.

Overall Assessment: ($, 4/10) – A very cheap price for the combo. I think that is the drawing power of the place. The kebabs itself though were not as good as some of the other places that I’ve been to around the area.

Website: http://www.ravikabobusa.com/
Location: 305 N Glebe Rd, 22203
Reservation: N/A
Takeout: 703.522.6666
Hours: Mon – Thurs; 1100 – 0100, Fri – Sat; 1100 – 0200, Sun; 1100 – 0000

 

Middle Eastern -> Reston Kabob -> Reston, VA

Was here for a late dinner.

Chicken and Kobeeda Kabob -See previous review (Link Below).

Previous Reviews:
/2008/01/13/middle-eastern-reston-kabob-reston-va-2/
/2007/07/22/middle-eastern-reston-kabob-reston-va/

 

Afghan -> Charcoal Kabob -> Herndon, VA

I had lunch with my dad as I had to pick him up from the airport today.

	Combo # 1 (Chicken & Keema Kabob) – The chicken as a little dry but very very flavorful. The keema had a spicy kick to the it. I do like Reston kabobs better though. The rice was average. The bread was very soft and was warm. The salad consisted of just lettuce and cucumber. The yogurt sauce had a stronger cucumber presence to it to which I’m not a fan.
	Combo # 2 (Lamb & Keema Kabob) – The Lamb was very very soft and very succulent. The keema, bread, rice, and salad was the same as above.
	Spinach Curry – Each combo came with it’s own veggie side. The spinach was a little watery but overall packed good flavor. Some potatoes are mixed in as well to the stew.
	Potato and Cabbage Curry – The natural sweetness of the cabbage accentuated the flavors to this stew. The potatoes were soft and there are peas mixed into the bunch as well. The sauce was prefect to dip the naan into.

Decor: Pretty simple tables and chairs. Clean and functional. Tapestries and art adorn the walls denoting Afghan culture. Service was average yet friendly.

Overall Assessment: ($, 8/10) – The lamb was better here but the ground beef sausage is better at Reston Kabob. I do like how one gets an extra side of vegetables with one’s order here. Both are fantastic places to get kabobs from.

Website: http://charcoalkabobhouse.com/
Location: 394 Elden St, 20170
Reservation: N/A
Takeout: 703.435.2400
Hours: Mon – Fri; 1100 – 2200, Sat – Sun; 1200 – 2200

 

Turkish -> Cenan’s Bakery -> Vienna, VA

I was out getting some beer at Norm’s. Wife asked me to get some bread while I was out since she was making chicken salad. I decided to stop here instead of some grocery store.

	Pumpernickel Walnut Raisin Bread – Pumpernickel was understated which is good, the walnuts and raisins were in good portions, the crust had a good crunch to it.
	Rosemary Bread – The rosemary was very evident, and the crisp bread gave way to a nice soft center.

Decor: Pretty simple, some seating outside and a bar counter to sit inside. Staff was really friendly and helpful.

Overall Assessment: ($, 5/10) – The bread was very nice, the issue is that the bread is a bit pricey. roughly $4 a loaf is quite a lot, even if the bread is better than the stuff one could get at the store. The whole no preservatives or weird ingredients is a drawing point, though if one had a bread maker, one could really replicate a lot of things.,

Website: http://www.cenansbakery.com/
Location: 122 Branch Rd SE, 22180
Reservation: N/A
Takeout: 703.242.0070
Hours: Mon – Thurs; 0630 – 2000, Fri – Sat; 0630 – 2100, Sun 0800 – 2000

 

Persian -> Rose Kabob Restaurant -> Vienna, VA

Our temporary roommate came back today so we decided to have dinner and catch up with him. He mentioned that he wanted kabobs and I’ve heard some nice things about this place, so we decided to go visit.

	Baked Pita Bread with Yogurt – The bread comes out warm. The bread is a little bit thin. The yogurt has that crisp and fresh cucumber taste to to it.
	Salad Olovieh (Chicken, Potatoes, and Eggs, Mixed with Peas, Dill Pickles, Olive Oil, Mayonnaise, Yogurt and Lemon Juice) – Interesting, it tastes like a potato salad mixed with an egg salad. The potatoes aren’t undercooked nor flaky. Just the right level of firmness, the shredded chicken adds some texture.
	Taah Deeg (Fried Crunchy Rice with Persian Spices, Topped with Gheymeh Stew) – The crunchy rice adds texture to the stew. The stew is mainly split yellow peas and beef. The stew wasn’t spicy and had a nice blend of spices.
	Rose’s Special Combo (Combination of Kabob Kubideh (Ground Beef), Prime Lamb Chunks & Chicken Kabob) – It’s a bit pricey but man was there a lot of meat. And all of it was so succulent. These bump Reston Kabob off as the best kabobs. They were all so moist and practically melted in your mouth. The Kubideh had a nice blend of herbs. The chicken was plumb. The lamb was juicy and not tough at all.

Decor: Our waiter was very polite. Not so great on emptying finished plates or water refills but he was uber polite with the “Yes sir”, and “yes ma’am”. The room has pictures of Iran with little descriptions underneath it. Very nice.

Overall Assessment: ($$, 9/10) – It is pricey, but honestly the wife and I could have split the rose special combo. Also I’ve been looking forever for a place with kabobs that can top Reston Kabob and I’ve finally found one.

Website: http://www.rosekabob.com/
Location: 126 Maple Ave W, 22180
Reservation: N/A
Takeout: 703.255.2557
Hours: Daily; 1100 – 2130