Atlanta food and restaurant blog | The Blissful Glutton » Persian

Mouthful: Persian

blissfulglutton — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:41:00 +0000

A plate from the buffet at Shish Kabob

MIRAGE RESTAURANT: This white-tablecloth Persian mainstay is starting to look a little worn around the edges. The food, however, stands the test of time. Generous portions of juicy Kabob Koubideh (skewered and charbroiled ground beef and onion patties) are a carnivore’s dream. The Shirin Polo – a heaping mound of buttery rice – is fragrant with sautéed barberries, raisins and orange peels. Slivered almonds and pistachios add a slight crunch. The pieces of steamed chicken breast round out the dish to make it a satisfying meal. 6631 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-843-8300. www.miragepersiancuisine.com.

RUMI’S KITCHEN: Sandy Springs is the epicenter of Persian cuisine. This relative newcomer to the scene is a favorite of diners looking for a bit of modern flair to their dining repertoire. Rumi’s freshly made bread is addictively crackly and soft. It’s served in a cone with a plate of briny white cheese, fresh herbs, walnuts, room-temperature butter and crunchy radishes. It’s hard not to make a meal of it. But save some room for the soul-soothing eggplant and veal stew and Cornish hen kabob. 6152 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-477-2100. www.rumiskitchen.com.

Continue Reading “Mouthful: Persian food”

More Texican fusion weirdness courtesy of the Sheik

blissfulglutton — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:31:00 +0000

I guess fusion burritos and tacos are the next food trend to hit our city. First, Hankook Taqueria opened. Now, Sheik Burritos & Kabob (1877 Piedmont Avenue, 30324. 404-815-0227. http://sheikburritos.com) has taken over the old Da’ Chicago Dogs space on Piedmont Avenue near Cheshire Bridge Road.

The place has only been open a few days and bills itself as Persian and Southwestern fusion–think shish kabob burritos. The food is just plain weird, but the tongue in cheek nature of the menu is oddly endearing. Check it out:

Too early to say much, but my food was weird. Not bad. Just weird. Shirazi salad+beef kabob+Caesar salad in a flour tortilla can do that to a girl.

Current status: Undecided. Confused. Intrigued.

Cheap Eats: Kabobee

blissfulglutton — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:28:00 +0000

Lunchtime for intown workers looking for a quick fix is a monotonous endeavor. Sandwich. Salad. Burger. Repeat. Most nearby ethnic options are either dumbed down or too fancy for their own good. Kabobee (609 Whitehall St., 404-688-8885, www.kabobee.com) is neither.

Reza Ashtiani chose to open a restaurant specializing in quick and simple Persian cuisine in an odd quasi-residential part of Castleberry Hill. The self-standing building has many large windows that permit the sun to whitewash the already spartan — and kind of antiseptic — space. You will find none of the typical warm colors or cultural accents you see at more upscale Persian establishments. The only color comes from the charmingly cheesy mural of some hip Charlie the Tuna look-alikes leftover from the fish shack that previously occupied the space.

While the restaurant could use a few decorative touches, the owner and his staff do a commendable job of making you feel at home. The restaurant has only been open for a short while, but Ashtiani already seems to be acknowledging an eclectic mix of regulars. Click here to read the rest…

Check out my latest in this week’s Creative Loafing

blissfulglutton — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:29:00 +0000

Cheap Eats: Shish Kabob

I hung up the phone and a wave of anxiety rushed over me. My lunch date canceled and I was alone at Shish Kabob (962 Roswell Street, Marietta. 770-499-7399) with a deadline and a dilemma. I needed to figure out a way to get the lay of the land without blowing my cover by ordering a table full of dishes. Click here to read the rest…

Mouthful: Bagels

I’d be lying if I said I found the bagels that would cure your nostalgia for whichever bagel joint you are loyal to up north. But these spots make good versions that will scratch your itch for a bagel and some schmear. Click here to read the rest…

Liquid Diet: Kevin Rathbun Steak

THE SETTING: The Johnson Studio truly outdid itself with this space: walls made of tightly stacked wood, exposed bricks, dim lighting and a chandelier that twinkles like the stars. The restaurant is invariably booked solid, but don’t fret…Click here to read the rest…