Persian and Turkish Food Report: Lala Rokh and Kolbeh of Kabob
After many years absence, we ate at Lala Rokh last night and Kolbeh
tonight. wow wow wow. what a difference.To cut to the chase, Lala Rokh remains consistently delicious and Kolbeh is not worth it.I had read about Kolbeh in the Globe or CH, wherein someone talked about the delicious Saffron chicken w/ rice w/ barberries. Absolutely nothing to write home about.Likewise the Lamb shank in tomato sauce. Both were o.k. and completely uninspiring. After the chef? sent out a limp soggy nuked spinach pie (can you believe it- NUKED!??)I sent it back, and a crispy spinach pie returned. very good flavor. the 2 eggplant sides(one tomato pastey and one w/ mint) were pureed beyond recognition and with no redeeming flavor feature.the thick sieved-to-sourcream-like-richness yoghurt w/ cukes and herbs was my fav thing of the night. freshly brewed persian tea was vaguely earl grey (bergamot) flavored but again, nothing special. will not be returning here.
Now,Lala Rokh.If it weren't so impossible to find parking, we would go more often.As the front rooms were filled, we were brought back to a quiet but isolated-feeling rear room. Service was friendly but not great by any means. Long waits. But the food is the show here. The app. of tomatoey eggplant topped with beef and mint, and accompanied by the thick rich yoghurt, w/ shallots, was just sublime. we ordered seconds! The green olive and walnut tapenade-like app was so very unusual and perfect in texture, flavor, presentation. The beef stew w/ okra and tomato was very simple but delicious. The more complex veal w/ lentils was also delic. The lemon infused Creme Caramel is still the best I've ever had. Very reasonable pricing as well. And such a pretty neighborhood for an after-dinner walk.
