Yes, it says "Pizza Paradise," but the "paradise" is really the tiny store-front window of "Taste of Persia" which serves the best and most authentic Persian cuisine of any restaurant in New York. Up until discovering "A Taste of Persia" two years ago, I was frustrated not being able to find a high-quality  Iranian restaurant in NYC . I had traveled Iran years ago, and lived in Los Angeles for several years (largest Iranian community in the US) so I was acutely aware of this very special cuisine. And then, my dreams were answered. 

This is Saeed Pourkay, the owner, the chef, and the "all everything" of a Taste of Persia. His story in developing the restaurant is fascinating. For nearly twenty years, Saeed a native of Tehran, ran a graphic design company with his two brothers right around the corner from Pizza Paradise. Though his business was successful, he wanted more, as he expressed to me "I wanted to go searching for my happiness." Saeed always loved to cook, however, instead of going full blast to open a restaurant he wanted to "test the waters" to see if people enjoyed his cooking, and if there was a potential market for his food. So he rented out a stall during the Holiday Season in Union Square, where he sold his soups. His soups were a smashing success, with lines snaking all through the square. He was like a "nice version" of the 'soup Nazi' on Seinfeld. That was three years ago, and today the storefront that he works out of is actually from the pizza restaurant that he used to get a slice at when he ran his graphic business. He says now, that his cooking for others, both natives of Iran and first time tasters of Persian cuisine and "brings me much happiness."

This is one of the most famous of all Persian soups, it is really more of a stew, called Ash Reshteh. The taste sensations erupting after a full eight hours of simmering; five kinds of beans play up against the herbs, and sensational distinct Persian spice of Funugreek, with cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. With somewhat burnt garlic, dried mint, crispy fried onion topped on with a white sauce called kashk, which looks like yogurt but taste more like feta. Though Persian food has some influence from neighboring Turkey and Azerbaijan, it has a culinary style that is unique to Iran. Fresh green herbs are frequently used along with fruits such as plums, pomegranates, quince, prunes, apricots and raisins. 

Fesenjan Chicken - chicken with pomegranate and walnut. So flavorful and that unique "sweetness." The taste of Persian food has such a distinct taste, a taste "onto itself" I thik it is one of the most special cuisines in the world

As crazy delicious as the first soup (Ash Reshteh) was, believe it or not I like this soup, Abghoosht even more! I think that this soup, the translation being "lamb soup," it the very best soup I have ever had in my life!! Big pieces of lamb and the mix of so many special spices, some of the flavors coming on with big-time flavors, others more subtle. 

The food at a Taste of Persia is fantastic, however, the surroundings are spartan, and food is served with plastic plates and forks. The seating which is shared with a good many pizza slice diners is under bright florescent lighting, both along the wall and a in a back room. Many customers at a Taste of Persia opt for take-out.

This is the official menu at a Taste of Persia. There is no handwritten menu, just this simple board which displays usually two soups and three entrees. It does change daily. One of the other things I find special about the restaurant is Mr. Pourkay himself. He is outgoing and high-spirited and speaking with him about Iran, the culture, be it the latest films coming out, or the political situation always gives me greater insight into the country.

Farsi (Iran) language lesson - "How are you?" (Haleh-shoma-chetor ast?) "Thank you" (Mamnoon) "Delicious" (Kheili khoobe)

Interesting fact about Iran - 70% of the population is under 30 years old.

Address - 12 West 18th Street (917) 592 - 3467