When you pull up to the corner of Brand Blvd and Dryden Street in Glendale, you see a parking lot. But tucked behind the lot is the large garden patio oasis of Recess Eatery.
And just past the parking lot is the entrance to the charming indoor area that has a small dining room and an open kitchen with a dessert display.
This little gem of a restaurant in Glendale is the baby of Chef Sevan Abdessian. After working as a personal chef for Adam Sandler, Chef Abdessian opened Recess Eatery 5 years ago, turning it into a local community favorite. And while the locals love the food, the restaurant also gives back to the community by supporting the local Little League teams.
The food features fresh local, seasonal ingredients. The day we had lunch, Chef Abdessian had just picked up fresh Deardorff Family Farms Tomatoes for the Caprese Vasken which included burrata, avocado, basil pesto, balsamic essence and prosciutto. And, the pesto was made from basil picked straight from the Recess Garden. The dish was practically farm to table.
One favorite is the Bully Sandwich (braised short ribs, caramelized onions, cheddar). The meat is tender and the bread is crispy but soft. I will be back for another one soon!
The sandwich is served with hand cut garlic french fries.
I also like the Baja Style Tacos with fried cod, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, sour cream and spicy chipotle aioli. The batter on the cod is light and crispy and does overwhelm the other flavors of the taco.
The St. Ann’s Ahi Tuna with seared ahi tuna, Sonoma greens, mango, tomato, avocado, orange, ponzu, sriracha aioli and soy glaze is a great lunch salad. It is light and fresh but has enough substance to satisfy.
To wash lunch down, we went with a refreshing berry lemonade with fresh muddled berries.
So next time you want to take a break (for lunch or dinner), do try Recess Eatery.Recess Eatery
1102 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91202
And coming soon……a second location in Highland Park.