Nothing makes me happier than finding great restaurants within 10 minutes from home. Seed and Double Zero are close-by favorites. I would also put the Persian restaurant, Rumi's Kitchen, on our list, but in its previous locations, the wait for tables outstripped our patience. As a result, even when the restaurant moved down the street, we never considered it an option.

Then our friend Tara, who is both Persian and a foodie, insisted that we return to the place with an open mind and her ordering skills.

Deal.

The "new" space (it's been open for over a year) is hip, but inviting. It's an obvious hot spot for Persians who know fabulous food. Still, the menu is accessible and if you order any of the items we had, I promise you'll leave happy!

We started with the Ghormeh Sabzi which is a beef stew served over burnt rice (like you find in Vietnamese fare). The dish has dried lime in it which imparts a citrus tang that's distinct and absolutely delicious. This is typically an entree, and you'll find it under the "Feast" section of the menu, but Tara insisted it was a great starter.

We couldn't agree more.

While we were busy chatting,our server brought over the classic Persian snack plate (not the proper name, but that's what it felt like to me!) consisting of feta, radishes, mint, tarragon, walnuts, and olives. When you eat these little bites between courses, or rolled into a piece of lavosh, your palate is cleansed and happy.

Better still, the bites came with crack a cucumber yogurt dip that was positively addictive.

For the entrees, we went with three different kabob options, salmon, chicken and a beef kabob known as the "Sultan's kabob." The chicken was incredible and, quite frankly, made the best leftovers!! The salmon was perfectly cooked so it was moist. However, if I were to only order one kabob, it would be the Sultan's Kabob. This lovely kabob has filet on the bottom and a ground beef kabob (filled with savory spices) on top.

Nom. Nom.

My expectations around the rice dishes was low. How exciting can rice be?

Oh how wrong I was. The basmati rice was light and delicate. The dill and fava bean rice was subtly flavored and a perfect match for the salmon. And then there was the Wedding Rice which had orange zest, pistachios, almonds and LOADS of fabulous flavors.

So, SO delicious.

Is it wrong to love a place primarily for its cucumber yogurt dip and wedding rice? I don't care if it is!!!We ended our feast WITHOUT dessert because our stomachs couldn't take any more. However, we did enjoy some Persian tea (in clear glass as per tradition.)

I couldn't imagine having a better re-introduction to Rumi's.

Many thanks to sweet Tara for an Ahhhhhmazing ordering and dining experience!

Check it out for yourself, but DO make a reservation!

Restaurant Review: Rumi's Kitchen