Happy Friday, awesome Moxie-Dude readers!
As part of my continued education in the culinary arts (without actually doing any of the cooking), last night G. and I went to a Persian restaurant called Parisa on Verdun Avenue.
What attracted us to this little gem is that it’s a bring-your-own-wine (gotta love that!) and that all main plates were under $20. Even with two soups, a shared entrée and our individual main meals, the bill still came to under $50. I couldn’t even try to mess up prepare a three-course meal at home for that. (Just saying, because not that I was intending to try.)
Small and intimate were the first words that came to mind when we walked in. But clearly, the place has already been discovered by local Verduners because the some 40-odd seats were busy with other couples and even a group of ten women celebrating a birthday. (When ten women get together and there’s wine involved, it’s hard NOT to hear what they’re celebrating.)
Note from the hamster: Enough already! What did you eat???
Soup (Ash e reshteh)
The soup (pictured above, because I would definitely frame this) was a combination of flavours and textures with each lovin’ spoonful. One taste and I immediately understood the menu’s description of “our famous soup . . .”
Combining 3 types of beans, dill, spinach, leek and mint with crispy onion and topped with home-made yogurt, I can even say that this may have been one of the best soups I’ve ever had. (Sorry mom!)
Entrée (Kashk Bademjaan)
Our entrée, a smaller portion of the vegetarian main meal choice, combined roasted eggplant with caramelized onions and came with pita for dipping. This dish actually changed me because I no longer refer to eggplant as a colour. Or a big awkward vegetable.
Main Meals
According to our waiter, Parisa’s specialty is Persian food served in a modern way. I’m not sure what the traditional way would be but I’m pretty sure the beautiful presentation of each dish has something to do with it.
G. ordered the “Koobideh”, referred to on the menu as a strip of seasoned ground lamb and beef sirloin. Naturally, I had a bite and even though I rarely cook meat myself (mostly on account of “I give up”) this is something I would definitely order for myself on a future visit. You want adjectives? How about juicy and flavoured just right.
As for me, I was in the mood for stew. I blame this on Mother Nature and her ability to befuddle Montreal weather reporters as she whips us up a combination of tropical-humid with autumn-chilly. Even my barometer is confused.
My “Chekertemeh”, also known as tender chicken breast in a yellow split pea and fresh herb stew, came with pretty rice coloured with saffron (I asked) and a salad with a pomegranate dressing.
I’m not big on ratings but I will say that Parisa – although bigger on flavour than on ‘piquant’ spices – gets a high mark for service, presentation, taste – and, of course, the budget.
Restaurant Parisa
4123 Verdun Avenue
514-768-7777
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