Phoenix, Arizona is not the first city I would have thought of going to in order to taste Persian cuisine. My choices might have been Tehran, Sabzevar, Shiraz, Perspolis. (Yes Shiraz is not only a grape from which a fine red wine is made but also a city in Iran. You know nothing of the geography of Persia do you?)
Pars opened 31 days ago and when you walk in it immediately takes you away from an American city and into the Middle East. The decor is very impressive. If you go, and I recommend that you do, walk up to the "paintings" on the walls and take a very close look and you will discover that they are in fact rugs and not paintings. Had me fooled.
We had their recommended dishes which were "well recommended" and as small eaters the portions were about 3 times what we could manage. The Zereshk Polo with baked chicken was delicious and the Sabzi polo with Mahi Mahi had been de-kebabed before if reached the table. (And you didn't think you could use the word kebab as a verb did you?)
I must also mention the hummus which is the best that I have tasted. Hummus is made from chickpeas and (I think) olive oil among other "stuff." (I'm not a chef nor a food critic so I'm not going to pretend to know what I don't.) In the past, the hummus that I have had, has been on the dry side and required plenty of liquid with it. Not this hummus, it was perfect.
Where is it?
1 comment:
Have tried the Persian Room several times and walked away satisfied each time. But then a good friend told me about Pars Persian Cuisine, over at Ancala Village in Scottsdale, http://www.parspersiancuisine.com. Not only was the food superior, but was much less expensive! In speaking to one of their Persian customers over my terrific meal, was told that the Owner / Head Chef Massoud had been the Head Chef over at the Persian Room for more than 4-1/2 years before opening his own place October 2006. And a most charming restaurant it is, with a wonderful menu & simply superior, delicious dishes. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!
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