Fresh in Woodstock: Ahura’s Kitchen

Ahura’s Kitchen is a new Persian restaurant a mile or so from Rube’s Creek, set in a sleepy little strip mall high on a hill.

Because Young Adult Son had zero interest in going to a Persian restaurant for some reason, I decided to check it out while he was out of town. Honestly, Young Adult Son prefers Mexican and sushi places.

It was a cloudy day, with puffy gray clouds not offering anything but grayness, not the rain we need. After running a few errands, including a trip to the library, I was ready for some nourishment.

Ahura’s Kitchen is located at the end of the strip mall next to a much larger health food store. Looking across Highway 92, from this shopping center I got a view of yet another disappearing forest as it seems they’re making way for yet another neighborhood, from which will eventually stream more cars to make getting anywhere in town that much more of a chore. Can’t wait! It’s especially thrilling since it seems the whole town is under construction.

But I digress. Opening the door to the restaurant, I was struck by how fresh. new and immaculate everything looks, tastefully decorated. Of course, I was also struck by the foyer-shaped space with just a couple of chairs, no tables, a cash register, a menu and a door.

Should I open the door and see the rest of the restaurant? The answer is no, because there was no “rest of the restaurant” for the public to see. With the exception of three tables on the side of the building outside, Ahura’s Kitchen has no seating. It’s shocking, but when you think about it, it’s a smart way for a fledgling eatery to keep expenses low since so much business after the pandemic comes from takeout. For those of us who still like to eat out, not take away, it’s a bit of a disappointment, though. Those outdoor tables aren’t going to be very attractive in the heat of August.

The young man who took my order was friendly and explained a bit about the dishes, helpful since I know next to nothing about Persian food.

Anyway, to the menu. The list includes shish-kebab and stews. I ended up choosing Ghormeh Sabzi, $16, a beef stew with kidney beans and spices. The stew was a thick paste and tasty, and it comes with a big aluminum foil plate of rice. I managed to make the stew and rice last for three meals.

Part of the reason the meal lasted three rounds I credit to the strength of the flavor. It’s not spicy hot, it’s spicy with flavor. I felt like I need to eat it a little bit at a time to keep from being overwhelmed.

Next time I’ll try some of the kebabs. I wish them well. Hopefully, none of the negativity of this war blunder by our so-called commander in chief affects them, though I think the more reactionary of our populace will probably not make the connection between Persia and Iran. I do remember all too well as an elementary school child the hostility toward Iran in the aftermath of the Iran hostage crisis. Our teacher assigned us a flag project — we all had to create flags out of felt. Mine was Thailand, but some unlucky person was assigned Iran. One of the boys suggested burning that student’s Iranian flag, which of course, the teacher didn’t take kindly to.

Anyway, check this restaurant out if your taste buds are in the mood for an international journey!