We went to dinner at The Helmand in San Francisco yesterday. It was our first venture in Afghan cuisine. I have to say I had an amazing dinner. Parts of the meal reminded me of Indian food and other parts reminded me of Greek. Overall, the menu was unlike anything I'd experienced before.
I started with Ahak: ravioli filled with leeks and scallions, with yogurt and mint-garlic sauce, topped with ground beef and mint. Each flavor seemed to find my taste buds one at a time before settling into this delicious combination.
My entree was Mourgh Challow: Chicken sauteed with spices and yellow split-peas, then sauteed with yogurt, cilantro and curry, served with challow rice. I can't even describe how amazing this was. The flavor of the dish was outrageous and combined with their seasoned challow rice, I honestly couldn't get enough. It was so good that I've have to force myself to try something else next time I'm there.
For dessert I had Bucklawa (otherwise known as baklava): pastry layered with a combination of chopped walnuts, almonds, and pistachios scented with cinnamon and cloves and served with a honeyed caramel sauce. It was far superior to any <insert derogatory tone>baklava I've ever had. In fact Curt had to pull me from my own little haven of bliss to let me know we were going to be late for our after dinner show.
The Zagat review of this restaurant commented, "who knew Afghans ate so well?" and I have to agree. This restaurant has become an instant favorite. In fact, I wouldn't mind finding my way back into the city today for round two. Hm...
| November 10, 2005 09:16am | 
art
random mutterings
rant
shameless entertainment
comment already
because there’s nothing that amuses me more than hearing your pathetic opinion