Carousel Restaurant

The Tcholakian family opened Carousel in the back corner of east Hollywood’s Hye Plaza in 1983, serving Lebanese-Armenian cuisine, and have since gone on to run a more elaborate branch in downtown Glendale. The original location remains a charmer, with minimal decor but a wealth of kebab options, including funky, rarely seen veal liver. Still, it’s Khash-Khash Kebab ($15) that you’ll want. Juicy, well-spiced, hand-molded skewers of ground beef lula arrive on a bed of cracked pita, doused with yogurt, garlic and pine nuts. Carousel also has delectable chicken lula. Either way, your meal comes with buttery bulgur and garbanzo beans; grilled pita brushed with tomato sauce; roasted tomatoes and jalapenos; onion and parsley salad dusted with sumac; and a tangy cabbage slaw tossed with tomatoes, herbs and olive oil vinaigrette.