Dine / Kebab | Kurry
FOOD & DRINK
Top left : Kebab | Kurry dishes ( clockwise from back left ) include chicken tikka masala , Chicken 65 , garlic naan , a lemon-garlic chicken kebab and white rice . Clockwise from top right : the patio ; mango lassi ; samosas
Ethnic Eats
EXPLORE CUISINES FROM ALL OVER INDIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST AT THE NEW KEBAB | KURRY RESTAURANT IN THE HIVE .
STORY AND PHOTOS By ASHLEY RYAN
T he culinary scene in Laguna Beach is rich with culture — from Italian pasta dishes at Oliver ’ s Osteria and Belgian dishes at Brussels Bistro to Caribbean-inspired bites at Rum Social and Asian fusion offerings at Starfish Laguna Beach , the options are endless .
Now , there is another ethnic eatery to enjoy in Laguna Canyon . Kebab | Kurry , which is housed in the former Another Kind cafe space at The Hive shopping center , offers an intimate setting in which to try a blend of Indian , Moroccan , Turkish and Persian dishes . Owner Majid Mahkri ,
who was raised in India , curated the menu and makes an effort to ensure that taste is authentic — he even flies spices in from India to incorporate flavors that aren ’ t typically found stateside .
An array of specialty drinks are perfect for sipping while you wait for your meal in the dining room or on the small , makeshift patio out front . For a fruity drink , try the yogurt-based mango lassi or opt for something less sweet with the cold black milk tea . A number of juices — including passion fruit , guava and organic coconut — are also on the menu along with an aloe vera drink , green smoothie and turmeric latte .
To start , glance at the Small Bites section of the menu , where you ’ ll find veggie or beef samosas , falafel , hummus and more . Additionally , the menu features soft and buttery garlic naan , with full chunks of the vegetable on top , as well as a number of unique salads , like the Syrian or the spicy salmon Indian cucumber variety .
One big focus at the restaurant is the meat used in the recipes , all sourced from California farms and raised without antibiotics or growth hormones . The kebabs served here are made with hand-cut meat cooked over a live fire . Chicken lovers have options galore , from the marinated tikka chicken and the juicy boti chicken — both smeared in spices and accompanied by sweet mint and creamy garlic sauces — to the grilled lemon garlic option with shallot , rosemary , garlic , Dijon and lemon-garlic olive oil .
The Pathar Ka Gosht beef is a favorite as well . Prepared on hot stone instead of the grill , this slab of meat is expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection . The Ibrahim Moroccan kebab is another hit , likely due to the savory flavor that results from seasoning the beef with paprika , cumin , garlic , onion , nutmeg , coriander and more .
On the Kurry section of the menu , Indian cuisine shines , with spices , sauces and savory meats all coming together to create some mouthwatering meals . Try the chicken tikka masala , made with marinated chicken in a spicy cashew sauce , or add some crunch with Chicken 65 , a dish that combines small pieces of fried chicken in a vibrant red sauce crafted with tomato sauce , red chiles , yogurt and signature spices . In addition , a number of lamb curries are available as well .
A vegetable section rounds out the menu for those who abstain from eating meat . With unique blends of spices and quality ingredients , the dishes at Kebab | Kurry shine bright , bringing brand-new flavors and added culture to a town already abundant with flavor . g
KEBAB | KURRY : 793 Laguna Canyon Road , Ste . A ; 949-715-0340 ; kebab-kurry . com HOURS : 11 a . m . to 3 p . m . and 5-9 p . m . Sunday through Thursday and Saturday ; 5-9 p . m . Friday ; closed Monday
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 75