09/29/05

great for lunch

by lachacz

nice and quit for lunch. very good service. very elegant looking dine area.

• Pros: not crowded
• Cons: no parking, hard to find

In an unlikely downtown location, you'll find a quiet haven and the finest food of Afghanistan.

by Contributor

The Scene

In an understated way, everything from the brightly colored wall hangings to the traditional music adds to the aura of Afghanistan. Gracious servers are quietly efficient, making it easy to conduct a business discussion or have a lengthy conversation with an old friend.

The Food

If you're in the neighborhood at lunchtime, the buffet offers a tantalizing array of authentic dishes. Making a choice at dinner is more difficult, although some of the entrees are also available as appetizers--allowing a taste of several favorites. Try aushak (the Afghan version of ravioli): filled with leeks, served on mint yogurt and topped with ground beef and more mint. The kabobs of beef or lamb tenderloin are also popular choices, as is the murgh challow: chunks of chicken saut?ed in a sauce of yogurt, cilantro and curry, and served with cumin-scented basmati rice. Creamy rice pudding is the cooling final touch to a delightful meal.