Sinbad’s Feast
There are so many inexpensive buffets in town that leave a bad taste in my mouth. Not only are the places filthy and the food usually not at all good, the quality of food is much to be desired. But not here at Sinbad’s Feast.
First, the place is immaculate. And sophisticated. A clear left-over from the previous tenant Sia’s. There are no tell-tale signs that this is a Persian restaurant except for a side room, the Hookah Lounge, complete with… beds! Daybeds outfitted with colorful fabrics and comfy pillows. I wanted to jump in and curl up!
And then there’s the food. Everything is freshly-made in-house. Owner/Chef PJ, a long-time chef and a Tehran native who has been living in Atlanta for 28 years, concocts the most delicious Persian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern food imaginable. My memories of authentic Middle Eastern/Persian food come from an Iranian uncle who lives in Atlanta and cooks simple Persian food, and visits to Doha (Qatar) and Dubai (UAE) where I’ve been four times. In a couple of those visits, I remember a family friend, a Persian chef and a resident, who prepared the best Fesejoon I have ever tasted. Chef PJ’s is just as good, if not better. His version gave me an oh-my-gosh-this-is-so-good-I-need-a-moment-of-silence. The chicken is so moist and so tender and the ground walnut-pomegranate sauce is simply heavenly.
But that’s not all. The chicken in the Jooheh was so moist even after sitting out on the buffet. The lime, herbs, and saffron flavors are evident in every bite. I love the tasty Koobideh, ground meat seasoned with spices and turmeric, goes really well with Adas rice . My uncle makes Koobideh often and serves it with the same lentils-and-raisins-mixed rice. Everything is good but the stews here are really the stars of the show. Fork-tender meats are simmered in herbs and spices resulting in flavorful sauces that are thick and hearty. I would go everyday just for the stews alone. Incidentally, dishes change daily so you won’t feel like eating the same things over and over again at every visit.
A great ending to every Mid-Eastern meal, a cup of cardamom tea infused with rose water is freshly brewed daily. The food, both in quality and taste, really doesn’t justify the price. So for $8.95 for lunch and $12.95 for dinner, what are you waiting for?
Side Note: Shout out to my Persian cousin AT who dabbles as a very famous graffiti artist and equally famous b-boy in Atlanta
Sinbad’s Feast
10305 Medlock Bridge Rd., Suite C-8
Johns Creek, GA 30097
(770) 622-6409
Technorati Tags: Persian, Mediterranean, Mid-eastern, buffet, Johns Creek, hookah bar
