The United States is filled with many different types of people from all over the world. With all types of various backgrounds, there are many unique dishes out there that only a handful of people have had the experience to try. Some people are afraid to try something new because they fear that they won’t like the taste. Others, are so comfortable with what they’re use to that they don’t dare attempt to mix things up once in a while. It is good to try new things, otherwise, how else will you know you don’t like something unless you try it?
We are so lucky to live in a country so diverse as ours. With the typical Italian, Mexican, and Chinese restaurants on every street corner, it’s no wonder that most American’s prefer those popular places to dine. With so few Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in the US, the public doesn’t have the opportunity to try foods from these places very often. Unfortunately, a lot of these places aren’t huge chains, which could be a big reason why the public is unaware of the unique taste. Since a lo of these places are family owned, there isn’t always a public relations professional behind the scenes to advertise and promote these restaurants to the community.
Some people suggest that Middle Eastern food is a lot like Indian food. These people are wrong. Although the texture is similar in some cases, the taste is completely different. The Persian Grill, located in Lafayette Hill, PA, serves the finest Persian dinners. The restaurant has a large fountain filled with colorful fish located in the front of their establishment. The sign is written in both Farsi and English in the colors red, white and green, which indicate the colors of the Persian flag. The restaurant hosts events based on Persian traditions and holidays, such as Persian New Years, which is celebrated on March 20 (the first day of Spring) and continues for 13 days. They light fires in their parking lot, where guests jump over the low flames and embark on a new year (it’s quite different than the way most people celebrate their New Years, some call it crazy, I call it tradition).
The wait staff is very friendly and attentive. The music played in the restaurant is Persian classical, and it is played at the perfect volume, not too soft, but not too aggressive that you have to scream across the table. The lights are dimmed so that you’re able to visualize yourself in Iran having a cultural Persian dinner. Canvas paintings and eye catching artifacts fill the walls of the midsize dinning room. The bar is small, made solely as a service area.
The Persian Grill’s website lists the restaurant’s nutrition as:
“At the Persian Grill, we use only the finest imported spices and freshest ingredients in preparing all of our delicious dishes. Persian food is very easy to like; mostly low in fat and calories; no hot spices or fried meats; nutritionally balances and recommended by doctors; easy to digest and very delicious. Our Basmati rice is directly imported from the bottom of the Himalayan. We prepare our rice in the same manner that our ancestors made it hundreds of years ago, through which most of the fattening starch is rinsed out. The result is an extremely light, fluffy-textured, virgin-white rice that tastes like no ordinary rice. We sincerely hope that you enjoy your dining experience and return to visit us again.”
They offer catering, take out, fine dining and accept reservations. You may wish to email them with questions and comments at bimoktan2002@yahoo.com, as listed on their website. Directions and reviews are also available for review at www.persiangrille.net
The prices on the menu are reasonable for the portions which you receive. I recommend my favorite, Ghormeh Sabzi. Ghormeh means stewed and sabzi literally means greens that stands for herbs. A side dish would be the famous salad shirazi, which is chopped tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, tossed in a lemon sauce with herbs. You may also wish to try the maast-o khiar, which is delicious dip. The Persian Grill also offers a homemade version of the famous Persian yogurt drink, doogh. It’s a must try!
Next time you’re wondering where to venture off to for lunch or dinner, consider the Persian Grill. It has many various types of dishes to try for everyone. Vegetarian, gourmet, traditional, and they even have authentic Persian ice cream which as any Persian knows, goes great with hot herbal tea. It’s the perfect spot to visit for a romantic first date, a dinner with your family, or even a place to go alone to relax with a book while enjoying your new favorite Persian dish!
