MINX RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
The big, bold, beautiful Rusty Pelican off Harvey Drive in Glendale has changed its species to become the suave, sophisticated sensational Minx: a classy place at very reasonable prices. Chef Joseph Antonishek presides over this cavernous restaurant/nightclub and offers many taste treats at half the price found in other restaurants if this superior echelon.
It’s been five months since their opening, and most, if not all, of the kinks have been worked out to satisfaction. The indoor/outdoor arrangement can keep any of its visitors comfortable and happy.
We were led to our oversized booth with warm smiles from our hostess. A selection of breads and crackers arrived swiftly with a compartmented plate of olive oil, honey butter, and roasted pepper spread for dipping. Kimber, our server, was quick to take the drink order and explain the few “specials” for that evening.
The menu is a delight: four unusual salads, eight quite appealing appetizers, five mouth-watering fish dishes, and seven “Specialty” entrees that include delectable beef, poultry, and lamb dishes. Not only are the items delectable, but the accompaniments and sauces planned served with each dish display creativity, originality, and genuine yum-ability by the resident chef!
For instance, the ravioli, zucchini, and eggplant appetizer comes with pine nuts, goat cheese, and squash blossoms with roasted pepper sauce. At nine dollars, this oversized array of food could easily be shared by two, and is simply a bargain. The filet mignon robata lettuce cups with Mung bean sprouts in a Hoisin-peanut sauce at twelve dollars may be one of the finest appetizers I’ve ever tasted, and was certainly large enough to share with my lady.
We also enjoyed an order of coconut-crusted crab cake that was accompanied by lemongrass skewered prawns in the most lovely sweet corn emulsion this side of a cornfield. Another twelve dollar value with a huge crab cake for the two of us. We must return soon to try the other fine offerings, for we were both salivating just reading this menu.
We requested a twenty-minute pause between appetizer and entrée, and Kimber’s regard for our satisfaction was most considerate. Who wouldn’t appreciate this kind of service?
The Australian Baramundi that my wife ordered came prepared to exact cooking direction. It came bedded on a grilled polenta cake that she requested, and was a departure from the salt roasted smashed potatoes offered on the menu. They aim to please here, and modifications and substitutions do not throw them.
I selected the Filet Mignon—a most unusual dish for yours truly—but the hazelnut and cocoa nib crust was something I really wanted to taste. I, too, substituted manchego mashed potatoes for the chef’s signature lobster mashed potatoes. The Filet came abed a field of string beans. The accompanying Olo Roso sherry sauce was outstanding.
Both dishes earned two thumbs-up for presentation, attractiveness, and, ultimately, sensational taste. We had, proverbially, died and gone to heaven. The smiles we shared, the thrill of discovering a fabulous chef, and the appetite gratified all made for a super meal at Minx. While the desserts did not quite measure up to all that had gone before, the coffee was truly delicious.
Go ahead, enter the world of Minx: I’m certain you’ll be glad you did! And when you do, be sure to tell ‘em Joseph (Feinstein) sent you!
Minx; 300 Harvey Drive Glendale, 91206 Tel. 818-242-9191 Open for lunch and dinner;
Weekend Brunch – Saturday & Sunday (10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.).
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