LTH:
I'd like to use my second 2018 nomination for Kabobi in Albany Park, which I feel definitely deserves a GNR. Over the course of several months and several dining experiences there, I came around from merely liking this place to believing that it's truly special, and loving it. Aside from the deliciousness of their food, the main reason for this is the quality and care with which they cook their meats. And, if you look at the
main thread, you'll see a virtual consensus on this aspect of the place. This care is exceptional, all-too-rare and what -- more than anything else -- makes Kabobi special. In a town where there are innumerable entrants in the category, Kabobi stands out in a way that makes it the standard bearer.
As a somewhat relevant aside, my nomination demonstrates the perils of forming an opinion about a place after just a single visit. I'm fortunate that I moved nearby and that I have friends who visit frequently. It was over the course of time that I continued to eat here, even though it wasn't always on my radar, or my first choice. And over those visits and delivery experiences (yes,
even delivery experiences!), Kabobi became the go-to. It wasn't that I'd ever had a bad experience. It was more a case of taking the positive experiences for granted. But when a place serves properly-prepared, delicious food over and over again, it begins to take root in one's mind as a different sort of place. And that's when mere appreciation transforms into something greater. In my mind, it leveled up to the highest category: the sure thing.
And it's not just the meats that they do so well. Their impossibly smooth hummus is delectable. The tender and herbaceous dill rice is excellent. Vegetarian Okra has become a requisite part of our order. Pickles, sauces and soups are all top-notch, too.
These are also posted on the main thread but just as a reminder, here are a couple of shots from a meal I enjoyed there earlier this year . . .
Beef & Chicken Koubideh Combo with Dill RiceShish Tawook with Dill RiceEver since Da Beef started the discussion, it's been almost entirely favorable (save for a bemusing digression about parsimonious sauce allocation). I, even in my initial luke-warmness, was quick to note how well cooked the food was. What I didn't realize at that time is what a constant that attribute would turn out to be and how much it would contribute to my feeling that Kabobi is indeed a truly special place, and a worthy GNR if there ever was one.
Main Thread:Kabobi - Persian Grilled Meats in Albany ParkKabobi (website)4748 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 583-1400
=R=
Same planet, different world