BRIGHT, BOLD FLAVORS—Chef Milad’s Favorite features three grilled skewers—chicken, vegetable and steak—with a side of sumac-spiced basmati rice, tabouli salad and some of the best hummus ever. Oh, and it comes with soup as well.
What do you think of when you hear the name of this restaurant: West Village Cafe? Do you picture a comfortable, local spot that might serve a large variety of specialty coffees and baked goods? How about decor: maybe a cozy patio setting that’s indoors?
If you guessed the above, you’d be right so far about this new happening place in the North Ranch Gateway Plaza in Westlake Village. However, there’s much more to discover at this new restaurant owned by Milad Esmaeili, who is also the head chef, designer, decorator and hands-on head honcho at the West Village Cafe.
The day I dropped in he was running around making sure everything was in tip-top shape. The vases on all the tables were filled with fresh, bright blooms; the container of flavored ice water was filled and ready to go; and the cutlery was the cleanest I think have ever seen.
Esmaeili worked in the restaurant business in Russia and Iran for 17 years. He operates an Iranian kebab business in Culver City and recently opened West Village Cafe in Westlake Village. He says the cafe’s American-Mediterranean menu is “80% Greek food.”
The food fusion is fantastic, and when you arrive at the restaurant your nose will perk up with excitement and anticipation of what the taste buds are about to savor.
Esmaeili uses the freshest ingredients he can find, including organic vegetables, juices and chicken, which translate into delicious servings of, for example, one of the “From the Grill” plates, which come with a skewer of grilled vegetables and a choice of two sides—french fries, oven-roasted beets, lentil soup, hummus, three varieties of salad or black beans— as well as rice or quinoa.
The main protein on the plate can be filet mignon, salmon, shrimp, lamb or chicken, or a mix. I enjoyed the scrumptious chef’s special, which is called Chef Milad’s Favorite (and now is mine, too): three perfectly grilled skewers (chicken, steak, veggies), beautiful basmati rice with sumac spice, as well as sides of lentil soup (creamy, light and delicious red lentils), some of the creamiest and tastiest hummus I’ve ever had and a little bowl of fresh tabouli salad.
A bonus is the fact that Esmaeili brings in fresh goodies from Porto’s Bakery several times a week, which means yummy treats like pastries, muffins and strudel. The sweets go perfectly with the lineup of Lavazza specialty coffees such as hot or iced cappuccino, Americano caramel macchiato and cold or hot tea selections like African solstice, jasmine green or ginger lemongrass.
Or top off a meal with a little piece of pistachio or almond baklava and you’re good to go. In my case, I was good to go for two meals as plenty was offered.
There’s lots more on the menu, including Greek-style sandwiches, a variety of falafel options and soups and salads, and Esmaeili plans on adding more items.
Another thing I like about the setup of the West Village Cafe is that you can go right in and order at the counter, then walk down the line if you want to watch your food being prepared fresh right in front of you. Or you can just sit down until your goodies are brought to you. Either way, it’s all delicious.
Here’s a bonus: Surrounding businesses and families can take advantage of the cafe’s catering service, which offers the same quality of food at great prices. Visit EZcater.com for info.