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Armomatic House of Kabob
by Sandy Tranchitella Dych
There are three Turkish women cooking up a storm at the new Aromatic Kabob House at Front and Chestnut. My husband and I wandered into the Kabob House one night after a movie at the Ritz. At 10 p.m., you do not always feel like a big meal. We chose Aromatic because it has a wonderful sounding snack/appetizers menu and delicious pita bread sandwiches.
We were treated to the most delicious souvlaki sandwiches that I have ever tasted. Savory chucks of marinated lamb and chicken with lettuce, tomato and onion on homemade pita bread. The bread was extraordinary. we were told that it was made in a special clay oven similar to a tandoor. The result is a crispy, yet tender large round of flat bread. we used it to soak up all the juices as well as extra orders of hummus and yogurt with shallots. Sandwiches run from $5.75 for gyro to $8.50 for beef tenderloin. Appetizers are $5 and under.
We completed our meal with sweet wedges of baklava and the speciality beverage of the house, Persian tea. The tea is so perfect after a meal of rich meats. It is redolent with spice like clove and cardamom. Apparently it is the special recipe of Helena, the lovely owner of Aromatic House of Kabob.
We were eager to return to the Kabob House and did so with another couple - again after a movie. we were planning to order appetizers to share and then were considering the kabob platters. The charming women serving our table suggested that we might like to order a family style dinner of several appetizers, a large plate of rice and a platter of assorted grill meats for $15 a person. We took her up on it and what followed was a meat eaters feast. We started with yogurt, chopped cucumber salad and hummus. Than came a huge platter of succulent meats, including lamb, chicken, beef, and a delicious seasoned ground sirloin, shaped into sausages. There were grilled tomatoes, onions and zucchini too, as well as fluffy white rice. What a bargain this meal turned out to be. The four of us ate way more than we needed to and still there was a good size portion for a doggie bag. In addition, we consumed a good red wine, brought with us, as Aromatic is a BYOB. We finished with multiple cups of Persian tea. The only disappointment was that the oven that bakes the homemade pita was broken. We didn't miss it too much with all the other Middle Eastern delicacies, but I do hope to be able to indulge in that special pita again. Here's hoping that the get the oven fixed.
Aromatic House of Kabob has simple decor. The tables are glass and wrought iron, and the atmosphere is cheerful and bright, almost giving the feeling of a greek sunlit cafe, even in the evening. food is prepared in an open kitchen by Helena. She is assisted by two other charismatic women that look like they should be related.
There are vegetarian choices including falafel and a full lunch menu of daily specials. Most dinner entrees run $10 to $12. We had no trouble walking into the Kabob House without reservations, which is a real plus in a neighborhood pulsing with jammed bars and restaurants that spill out onto the streets. For Middle Eastern food, i think Aromatic is the best in town.
Diamond in the Rough!
Posted by scswngr on 01/29/2005
Most of the foreign food in this town isn't up to par, but this place is a Diamond in the Rough. Great ambience and great stories from the owners. Start your meal off with some of the best humus you will ever taste, then pick from all the great meats. For 4 or more people I would recommend getting the $15/each family style meal. More than enough for everyone, we usually take some home. My only complaint was the lack of fountain drinks, just bottles, but you can't have everything!
Pros: Great Food, Reasonably Priced, Never Crowded
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended
—citysearch.com
Yum
Posted by jm1029 on 01/17/2005
A reasonably priced Persian BYOB with good Persian food in Old City, can life get any better? For excellent value and good food in a great location, I definately recommend Aromatic.
Pros: Value, Food, BYOB
Overall user rating: Recommended
—citysearch.com
Awesome Food and Amazing Value
Posted by citysurfer80 on 03/13/2004
If you have not been here yet, you are missing out on one of Philly's best deals. The food is authentic Persian and the prices are great with almost everything under $10. The place is really nice and the service is very friendly and responsive. This is one of the best meals I have ever had in the city. Go soon!
Pros: Inexpensive, Great service, Great Persian Food
Overall user rating: Highly Recommended
—citysearch.com
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