Fab Persian at Pooya, Campbell

[eqjosh]

Just found this place (apparently opened in March 09) and LOVED it, definitely the best Persian weıııve had in the Bay Area (and rivaling the places in Westwood where we first "found" Persian food).

Started w Kashke Badamjan, a grilled eggplant ap w crispy fried onions, came with warm, fresh baked flatbread. Totally outrageous dish, this could be a small meal in itself.

Then split the Pooya special, comes w four kebabs (filet mignon, chicken breast, ground chicken, ground beef) and a big plate of rice.

We subbed the chicken breast kabab (Chicken Soltani) and instead had Joojeh Kebab (game henıııfind it more flavorful & juicy). Totally delectable. The skin has a nice glazing, dripping w flavor, lemon zing.

Usually in Persian places I ask for the filet rare because there's a tendency to cook it hard ıııI forgot, but was safe! This Chelo Kebab Barg was a thicker cut of meat than Iıııve had at other Persian places, was nice and pink in the middle, needed a knife to cut but was very tender.

The Koobideh was also great, smooth w good flavor -- since I learned to cook this at home I'm often disappointed buying it, but here was better than I can makeııı nice subtlety, right texture, and much juicier than when I make it!

Finally the ground chicken kebab (Chicken Koobideh) had a nice tenderness and flavor though not quite as smashing as others.

As traditional (I think!) was served w grilled tomato. I also requested onion and lemon which they happily brought.

Dinner for 2 w tax (no drinks) was $40 -- and this would have been plenty for 4 w addition of another appetizer (my wife and I were almost fighting over the Kashke Badamjan, I practically licked the plate, so need 2 orders for more people!!) ııılooking forward to leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Service was also notable -- we were the only people in the place (7:00 on a Monday eve) so not sure how it will be full -- but the waiter was present and engaging, he seemed to really care that we loved the food. :)

BTW for those who know the area: I happened to go to Yas today for lunch (long story, wife was jealous when I got home) and wife & I went to Reyhan 2 weeks ago -- Pooya completely eclipsed Yas and, while Reyhan's food is good, Pooya is better, and the ambiance is WAY better.

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Pooya Persian Cuisine
1740 Winchester Blvd, Campbell, CA 95008

Yas Restaurant
1138 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129

Reyhan Restaurant
1625 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA

[Melanie Wong]

Thanks for your report. I'd heard that another Persian place had taken over Deezi's former spot, glad to hear it's good. The website doesn't include a menu yet . . . are there other entrees, such as fesenjoon, besides kabobs?

[eqjosh]

Hi Melanie - I didn't focus on the details, but yes there was a "stew" section of the menu, I think they have one special stew each day? I'd better go back and research!
:)

[Melanie Wong]

Thanx, tough job, but as they say, someone's gotta do it!

Here's the digested version,
http://www.chow.com/san_francisco_bay...

[eqjosh]

I am so bummed! 3rd visit to Pooya was a big disappointment. Same great Kashke Badamjan appetizer, but the chicken & beef kebabs were overcooked and dry, even the ground beef wasn't nearly as juicy as before. Even worse, when I summoned the will to tell the waitress (I hate to complain!), and said the beef was very overcooked, dry, and tough, the answer was, "that's how our customers like it, just tell us next time you want it rare." Hmm.

I told the owner, who was very apologetic, but did not jump into the kitchen to get a new plate fired, nor did he adjust the bill... If this had been my first visit I'd cross it off my list. However, given the strength of the 1st two visits, I will most likely try again, though the poor customer service makes my teeth ache.

On the upside - my daughter ordered the chicken with rice & barberries, it was scrumptious, moist, and tender... so not all lost!

Re Melanie's question: Mon-Sat (I think) they have a stew-of-the-day, none on Sunday, so still haven't tried!