Remodeled Golden Skewer Restaurant Serves Up Quality

    It was a fateful visit to the Social Security Administration 13 years ago for their son’s social security card that brought Greg and Karine Hovanesian, owners of Golden Skewer restaurant, face to face with their future—a vacant space within the office’s shopping center that would later come to house their restaurant and banquet hall.
    Now over a decade later, they are an institution in this community, serving up Armenian, Russian and Middle Eastern delicacies in a warm, welcoming environment where all diners are treated like family.  The family-run restaurant cooks up all their menu items from scratch using fresh ingredients—never pre-manufactured, never microwaved. 
    The highlight of the business is its beautifully-appointed banquet facility which seats up to 150 guests and is continually booked throughout the week for everything from weddings and baptisms to fundraising events and memorial dinners.  In fact, the entire restaurant received a complete facelift about a year ago, complete with contemporary crystal light fixtures and a waiting area featuring an elegant fireplace which has become a favorite backdrop for diners’ photos.
    While locals are drawn here by the food and facilities, what diners do not know is that the meticulous attention the owners give to the preparation of their food is also lavished on cleanliness and safety.  From frequently sanitizing menus to cleaning crevices with a toothbrush, the restaurant owners adhere to strict cleaning protocols.
    What is the most rewarding part of their business?  “We love it when customers acknowledge our food saying ‘this reminds me of my mom’s pilaf’ or ‘my grandmother’s dolma,’” recalls Karine.  “It’s the highest compliment we can receive.  It inspires us to maintain our high standards, to never serve anything unless we would serve it proudly to our own family.”
    Golden Skewer Restaurant is located at 2212 W. Beverly Blvd. in Montebello, open Tuesday-Sunday. (323) 727-2952.