Fesenjaan, anyone?

Last week, I was introduced to a fantastic Persian restaurant called, Pomegranate, by the lovely Miss Kate. Located at 420 College Avenue (at Bathurst), Pomegranate offers a very cozy, casual and intimate atmosphere (I don't think the place even seats more than 30 patrons). The room is decorated with an assortment of Persian rugs and small wooden tables. Some curious features of the dining area include the bed-like eating area and the jacuzzi style pool of fish. The REAL highlight, however, is the food (oh, yes and in this case, the wonderful company, too!). Miss Kate had been to Pomegranate several times and sampled a number of tasty entrees and appetizers - none of which have disappointed. My meal was superb. The portions are generous and oh, so delicious. The same ingredients appear in most of the short menu’s offerings: lamb, yogurt, eggplant, walnuts, barberries, pomegranate, rosewater. Lemon adds zing to grape leaves encasing rice and herbs. Creamy, seasoned yogurt mixed with cucumber, walnuts and rose petals is refreshing, for scooping with fab flatbread. Two daily stews round out the mains; one evening sees a savoury cinnamon-seasoned stir of cubed lamb, apricots and yellow split peas. Pomegranate syrup adds sweetness to fesenjaan, a dark, rich stew of chicken, lamb shank or mushrooms with ground walnut. Basmati, yogurt and salad shirazi accompany entrées.

The service was good and the co-owner of the establishment was friendly and warm. The hours of operation are my only complaint, as they are strictly a dinner restaurant with limited hours (and closed Mondays). Tues-Thurs: 5pm--9pm; Fri-Sat: 5 pm--10:30pm; Sun 5pm--9:30 pm. Be sure to bring either cash or credit as there is no debit available (there's a bank, conveniently located, almost directly across the street).

Here is a sneak peek:





Fesenjaan is a smooth rich stew of ground walnut and pomegranate syrup served beside a plate of saffron basmati rice, creamy yogurt and salad and absolutely deeelicious! I am still thinking about this dish - a week later.

Here is the assortment of sweets my lovely guest and I shared. There were little chick pea flour cookies in the shape of flowers which melted in your mouth (!), honey-dipped fried batter (similar to julabi) and a nut brittle of some sort. We topped it off with some peppermint tea.

I highly recommend you treat yourself to Pomegranate and all of its delights!