My visit to Spitz impressed me in multiple ways. Recently started by two guys in their twenties, they were inspired by how Chipotle makes Mexican food - my kind of guys - and likewise wanted to make a cuisine delicious, Americanized, and yet still have it maintain its authentic flavors. Thus, Spitz began making sandwiches that have quickly become popular, opening up my taste buds to a style of food that left me suddenly feeling as if I had been in the dark on a great European secret.
Turns out Dӧner Kebab is a Turkish word for "rotating meat" which makes sense as soon as you see the huge chucks of meat behind the counter, rotating. They serve their sandwiches in a bread pan, an unusual touch that suddenly makes a typical plate look pretty lame. And it gets better - their menu is easy. I'm fairly confident they created it especially for me, or people like me, who are also food-decision-making challenged. It's a three-step menu: 1. Sandwich or wrap. 2. Flavor style. 3. Side.Taste: Rich. I ordered a chicken dӧner sandwich, original style, with a side of street cart fries. My sandwich included included chicken, red onion, green pepper, cucumber, tomato, tzatziki sauce, and a touch of spicy chili sauce all on toasted focaccia bread. The side of street cart fries were topped with chicken, tzatziki, chili sauce, feta, red onion, green pepper, cucumber, olives, and pepperoncinis. The chicken dӧner was soft, juicy and full of rich flavor, however the richness was not at all overpowering. Good for a big appetite, I left feeling very full. And the fries - they speak for themselves. Like In-N-Out animal fries but European style - you can't go wrong.
Atmosphere: Unique. Intriguing art hangs on the walls and the ceiling, and while the artistic concept may have gone way over my head, it gives the place a fresh and modern feel. A local artist designed all of the art which makes it that much more cool. People of all sorts filled the sleek seating, creating a diverse environment. Not only that, but it's in Little Tokyo; why it's located there, I don't know, but this just adds to its distinctness.Price: Moderate. I spent around $12 for my sandwich, street cart fries ($2 more than original fries) and a drink. Kind of high for my budget, however you could get away with spending only $7 for just a sandwich. This would have been the fiscally responsible decision for me however, in regards to food, I tend to lose any sense of wisdom. All in all, it was worth it - and if you go during their happy hour you will walk away not only with a full stomach but a full wallet as well.
"We take street food items and put a little twist on them and elevate them." A European secret no longer - Spitz truly is the Home of the Dӧner Kebab. 