#bastani

A Cookie best known for her lovely dresses and headscarves! Meet Bastani Cookie and her pet, King Gaz II! Both of them based on Persian treats!

OH, and she’s up for offers on my ToyHouse!

The Stupids buy an ice cream machine

I know it’s just about the end of summer, but I promised a homemade ice cream report in my last What’s For Supper, so here it is! First of all, this is the machine I got: A Cuisinart ICE-20P1. It is about $70 new, but I got mine on Facebook marketplace for much cheaper.  There is a newer model of this same basic machine, the ICE-20P1. There seem to be lots of like-new ice cream machines for sale…

Greeted by سلام, we entered a lovely little restaurant in Kirkland, Washington called Rumi Restaurant. There were short phrases of poetry on the wall, and plush lounging couches along the room. A TV played Iranian cartoons, and two women chatted in Persian near the kitchen bar. Observing the Persian grocery store and Persian bakery located in the same strip mall, and the several warm encounters in Persian during online order pick-ups, it became clear that several Iranians had found themselves a little community in WA.

Our hostess encouraged us to begin with some چای while we decided what to order. My date got the ششلیک بره (which I may have had a few bites of, despite being vegetarian…) and I ordered the فیمه بادمجان. Each order came with large plates of buttery برنج زعفرانی. All the food was rich and full of complex flavors; I still can’t quiet pin the unique and wonder spice in my بادمجان!

At the end of our dishes, we ordered بستنی ایرانی , at the suggestion of my Persian classmates. The smooth and creamy شیرینی was the perfect end to my first Persian meal.

At the door, the Iranian hospitality I’ve heard so much about became evident. And within the first few bites of each new dish, it became clear that Iranian food is layered with flavors and textures. I’m excited for my return to Rumi restaurant and exploration of even more Persian cuisine and culture. So far I’d say: 

“غذای ایرانی خیلی خوب است”!

BH