Shiraz in Elmsford

We heard the buzz about Shiraz, a relatively new Middle-Eastern restaurant on Route 119 in Elmsford, and decided to give it a try.  We were pleased when they accomodated us with a table for eight at eight on a busy Friday night. The restaurant is spacious, open, airy, and well-lit with tile floors, and brick walls.  On the way in we noticed that next door is a Middle Eastern grocery store with the same name and from the window it looks like they carry a wealth of interesting grains, spices and ingredients for a Middle Eastern feast.  We made a mental note to go back there soon and embarked on our dinner plans.  With a name like Shiraz, we assumed the restaurant served wine, but once we were seated we found that they do not have a liquor license.  I settled for a pomegranate juice and one of the men in our party offered to go across the street to buy a few bottles of wine.

For appetizers, the menu offered a mouth-watering list of dips such as hummus, roasted eggplant, and a yogurt and cucumber combination, all accompanied by crisp Persian bread.  The salads included a Greek salad and an herb salad with mint, tarragon and radishes that was fresh and crunchy. Creamy feta cheese and black olives added flavor. A jar of a black spice called Sumac was on every table.  Apparently sumac is tangy and aromatic and will enhance the flavor of any entree, so give it a try if you dare.

Though we over-ordered on the first course, it didn't prevent us from diving into our entrees.  Shiraz features flavorful kabobs served with saffron rice and grilled tomatos.  Kabob choices abound...we tried the lamb, and the Cornish hen and both were moist and delicious.  The special that night was a whole broiled branzino - served with the head and tail of the fish.  Though a few in the party were reluctant to deal with fileting the fish, they ordered it anyway and gave a good report.  The braised lamb shank was also ample and flavorful.

For dessert there were trays of baklava that looked sweet and syrupy but unfortunately we were too full to try it.

The service was friendly, helpful and swift.  The waiter was happy to offer suggestions on selections and eager to please.

If you're looking for a meal that incorporates the exotic without going very far, we suggest a visit to Shiraz.  But remember to bring your own bottle.

Shiraz
Persian Restaurant
83 East Main Street
Elmsford
(914) 345-6111
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking on street and in back lot.