RECESS
SERIOUS EATS IN GLENDALE… PLAY TIME IS OVER

Growing up, recess was always my favorite part of school. It got me out of class and away from someone telling me what to do and let me just do as I pleased. While you can’t run amok at Recess Eatery in Glendale, you can relax, unwind and indulge in some fine California and Mediterranean cuisine. And it’s that attitude of wanting to escape and relax that Owner and Executive Chef Sevan Abdessian relishes.

“That’s why I’ve created a place where you can still spend time with your pals, share a delicious meal, chat and get back the sparkle from those long ago days,” Chef explains.

You might already be familiar with Chef Sevan from TV shows including “The Taste,” “Cutthroat Kitchen” and “Chopped.” His bistro ambience of casual elegance welcomes visitors with a charming outdoor garden setting and an indoor dining room. Serving his take on comfort foods, popular items include tacos to gourmet burgers to hearty salads to pastas and seafood.

During our recent visit for dinner, we enjoyed dining in the lovely garden area. With an impressive wine and beer selection, the cocktails are more “mocktails” due to a limited liquor license, but in this lush environment, a glass of wine of good beer is the cure for what ails you. Consider recess in session!

We started with an order of Fresh Shucked Oysters, which were absolutely delicious—portions range from Elementary, Junior to Collegiate. Consider this a stellar starter.

Another great starter is the Duck Brie Flatbread made with crispy duck, seasonal pears, Brie, fig jam, dried figs, Gorgonzola and shredded mozzarella. This dish is rich and hearty and so satisfying. I was worried dinner wouldn’t be able to get any better from here, but it did.

The Steak Tartare with prime filet, raw quail egg, Dijon, red onion, parsley and served with potato plaques, is an exhilarating rush of protein. This savory dish will make you want to jump up and take on the world but resist that temptation, have a sip of wine and enjoy another menu item or two.

The Redondo Basket with fried calamari and shrimp, served with cocktail sauce, is a great dish to share, and The Hobbit, with whole fried artichoke, Chévre, red bell pepper coulis and balsamic vinaigrette, is a good healthier option if you don’t want fried food.

For our entrees, we went with the fabulous Duck Risotto, a very rich and filling plate of comfort food goodness, along with the Mary Had a Little Lamb—New Zealand lamb rack with tempura asparagus and cilantro mint lebni chimichurri. The lamb was tender and tasty and paired just right with a nice glass of red wine. Good food and good drink in a relaxed and plush setting, it doesn’t really get any better than that. It definitely made the trek to Glendale worthwhile. And it reminded me just how much I love playtime at recess!

Recess is located at 1102 North Brand Boulevard in Glendale. Open daily from 8:30am to 10pm. Call 818-507-0592.

Story by Jose Martinez