Friday, July 31, 2009

Fanoos Grill, Torrance, CA

Fanoos Grill
25336 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
310-530-4316
Located in Rolling Hills Plaza, facing Crenshaw, across from Starbucks, near Airport Drive. In general, RHP has plenty of parking, however it can be a little tight to maneuver in this area.
Casual/fast foodish. Full service or order at the counter if to go. Small dining room.

Visited: Numerous times, Lunch, Dine-in


Fanoos calls itself a Persian Restaurant Grill - you get all of the traditional menu items that you would at a more stately Persian restaurant, but in a lighter, more casual atmosphere. We usually go for lunch, and you often see other patrons there on their lunch break. They also seem to have quite a take out and catering business.

They do have lunch specials which are a slightly smaller portion, but we don't bother with that at Fanoos!

To start, the Cotlete ($4.95) appetizer is so tasty. It's a patty of ground beef mixed with herbs that is served with warm pita and olives and pickles. A beef patty doesn't sound like much, but when Fanoos gets their hands on it, it's amazing - delicate and tasty. A great app for 2 to share, if you have a larger crowd, you may want to order a second just cuz it's so good, you can't stop eating it.

On to the entrees. First up is the Beef Koobideh ($8.95): two large strips of seasoned ground beef that is charbroiled. Very well seasoned with yummy juices soaking into the basmati rice. Served with a charbroiled roma tomato and salad. The lunch portion is one strip/skewer ($5.95).

The Beef Shish Kabob ($11.95) of juicy chunks of filet mignon is also very tasty, but the extra seasoning in the Koobideh rules. The Shish Kabab is also served with basmati, tomato and salad. Lunch portion is $6.95. If you can't decide, and want to try both (which is a great idea for your first time), they have the Beef Soltani ($13.95) which is one shish kabob and one koobideh.

They also make a Chicken Koobideh ($8.95) that is equally as tasty and juicy, and we prefer that over the Chicken Shish Kabob ($10.95). How ever they grind and season their meat is just fabulous. A Chicken Soltani ($13.95) is also available.

Fanoos also makes a very tasty Gheimeh Bademjan ($9.95): a stew of fried eggplant, tender cubes of beef, split peas, and fried onions in a rich tomato based sauce served with basmati. This is a very large portion, one that I can never finish in one sitting. The eggplant really shines in this dish. They also serve just Gheimeh ($8.95) without the eggplant, but really, I can't imagine ever ordering it.

They also offer an assortment of sandwiches (even one filled with the Cotlett that I'm often tempted to try).

They're really nice, and if you're intimidated by Persian food or have never had it, this is a great casual way to get started and have some great food while you're at it.

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