We made a return visit to Kabul House last night with friends, and if you can believe it, they are actually improving!
Usually I go with my wife, and we just get a pair of main courses, but last night we got to work through more of the appetizers, and they were simply fantastic! Aushak and mantoo (respectively, a variation on ravioli, stuffed with scallion and leek, and a steamed dumpling filled with onion, ground beef, and spices) were tender, well seasoned, and just plain good!
I went for one of my favorites, the sabzee (spinich), which was as well seasoned as corresponding Indian spinach dishs, only better! We tried the kabob sampler (chicken, lamb and koubideh) and loved everything, and best of all was qabili palau, wonderfully marinated and braised lamb served in the seasoned basmati rice, featuring raisins and carrots. I had tried this braised lamb when Kabul House first reopened in Skokie, and thought it OK, but last night it was absolutely perfect: tender, juicy lamb with wonderful seasonings. And best of all, we managed this meal for less than $22 a person, tax and tip included!!!
I was one of many who a) was thrilled when Kabul House returned to Skokie, b) wrote in favor of its GNR nomination, and c) don't get to visit them nearly as often as I should. But after last night's meal, they are in my regular rotation! And I need to remember to bring a bottle or two of my favorite Lebanese wine (Chateau Musar), as they remain BYOB.
I cannot recommend Kabul House enough, as a truly great value restaurant!