Iranian cuisine

Brunch is trendy in nearby Dubai, especially on Fridays.  Schools and most workplaces shut down on Friday to honor the Islamic day of prayer, so many people choose to sleep late and meet up with friends for a big meal around 1:00 or so.  From what we've heard some of the brunches are opulent--sushi, chocolate fountains, champagne (drinking is legal in Dubai, unlike Sharjah), prime rib, Arabic mezzes and sweets--and can cost upwards of 400-500 dirhams (over $100).  Too pricey for us, but Nicole and I found a brunch option that sounded like an interesting, affordable, less touristy experience: The Iranian Club.

The Iranian Club provides a kind of cultural home for Iranians living in the UAE, hosting programs and events and also a beautiful restaurant where Vali Heydari, shown above with yours truly, takes great pride in his craft.  I made him promise to contact me if he ever decides to open a restaurant in the U.S.; in fact, if you look closely, he's holding my card.

Vali's version of "Friday brunch" is popular with Iranian families, in fact I only noticed one other Western couple, but anyone's welcome (women must cover their heads).  At 75 dirhams (about $20) for the buffet, it's probably the most expensive meal we've eaten here, but definitely worth it.  My favorites were the ghalie mahi, a fish stew with greens, and the ash e reshte, a popular breakfast soup with greens, garbanzo beans, and pasta.  Nicole was partial to the rice dishes, most of which had some combination of saffron, herbs, and dried fruits including currants.

They also have great dolmas.  They stuff tomatoes, baby zucchini, and baby eggplant.  Middle Eastern mezze, pretty much obligatory on any buffet, are good too, especially the baba ghanooj which they top with fresh pomegranate seeds.  Khorake goosht was lamb shank falling off the bone (it looked and tasted like goat but Vali says it's lamb so I believe him).  Excellent meal.  Now to convince the chef to move to Michigan.