"I found this place. A late night after participating in a friend party, my now ex and I rolled up and down Ventura Blvd hoping to find a decent place for some much needed dug. We went to Norm’s and were about to make a U-Ie, and THAT is when I spied aroma. “Stooop! We HAFTA go there!" Fortunately, he agreed with me that he was as much as I am. Near midnight on a week night was Aroma hoppin’. The fire pit was roaring, music was blowing, tons of beautiful Persian/Israeli people pouring, drinking, smoking, laughing... yes, norm was thought out. Puhleeze, as there ever been a comparison? Two years later, I am still a big fan of aroma, although I work/games/live NOWHERE near the valley. Yesterday I was eating with my sisters in the law, Sabrina L., while I visited the sweet baby niece. Here is what we shared... (I am so loving that my brother married an adventurous dining room: Hummus Ahi Tuna Shawarma – I am especially about hummus because I have seasoned it with a lot of tahini, and Aroma is the only place that seems to make it my satisfaction. My sisters in the law wanted to try, and it was surprisingly good. The ahi Tuna shawarma was a bit chewing in the texture and not “ahi” like. The taste of tuna tasted much like curry, as not sure as Shawarma as it should be. In my opinion, the name of the plate was misleading because I had different expectations as this dish should taste. I still enjoyed it, but I really prefer her simple hummus with hard boiled eggs or her aubergines hummus plates. This hummus seemed exaggerated by the tuna Shawarma taste. However, thumbs up because all their hummus plates seem to be served with generous portions of warm fluffy pita. Grilled veggie sandwich with Portobello mushrooms and other vegetables, goat cheese and pesto on roasted ciabatta bread. I really liked it. In fact, all their sandwiches and bagel sandwiches are really good. Large portions that are always served with fresh salads. Jachnun, a traditionally baked Jewish dish made from rolled dough. Like individual, his only one eaten on Saturday, and somehow we could order it yesterday on a Sunday. As soon as I cut into it, I could realize that it was made from rolled LAYERS by dough. When I punctured, it had a very chewing texture that recalled the Burmese parantha of my childhood. I immediately knew that this dough-based dish was extremely time-consuming to prepare as it involves a lot of kneading that no Cuisine type bread maker could duplicate. It has to be prepared. This dish was definitely an acquired taste. My legal sis did not seem to be paying attention, but I enjoyed it mainly because it remembers what I enjoyed as a child. Chocolate souffle with puppets of fresh cream and a serving vanilla ice cream. – this was very beautifully executed. Light crust up to reveal creamy chocolate souffle filling in the cake crust. Sigh...yes, we had a lot of crates to get home like left remnants. We were in a taste test mood. Here is what I enjoyed in the past: Sea Bass Skewers, with rice replaced by couscous – yummilicious. Soaked eggplants served with tahini sauce and salad – delicious. Herbs fought salmon salad – delicious. Mango Pecan Salad – delicious. Panini Portobello – delicious. Margherita Pizza – pretty good Creamy Tilapia – this dish was successfully shared between my Ex and I. As soon as one grabbed a part, the other took the court back. This is one of my all-time bugs! *Raviloi with Sun Dried tomatoes and goat cheese sauce. Seriously decadent GOOD. The only dish I really DIDN’T LIKE was the Greek dish. Maybe if it served hummus with him, how falafel does, it would taste better. But all ingredients are super fresh as with all their dishes. Can't argue that it's not healthy, but I just didn't pay attention. Too bad, they don't take reservations and there's always a great waiting time to come in the main time, but I never noticed waiting because I enjoy chatting with my companions who have been sitting here with me. You have parking $3 if there are no metered street parking available, but I usually go late at night when there are many free street parking available to choose from. I prefer to eat in the covered terrace area, but could make cigarette smoke without the entire 2nd hand. It has a very Euro Café vibe to it, much more than its Sunset Blvd location, which is also very good, but I prefer this location in Encino. Kudos to them for high chairs for babies, but I would not recommend bringing small children in the evening. True, aroma is my crack in the valley. I live this place!"
