Leila in San Diego

Mysterious Building

In late October Don and I enjoyed a Persian dining adventure, with our good friends. We were in San Diego, far from the Middle East.

It was 5:00 when we arrived in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. This curious and windowless building, already had a line at the door.

Ready to Go!

We weren't worried about the line. Cliff and Rhona had made reservations exactly a month before. Pretty much the only way to get a table at this new and popular place!

Rhona and I posed in the dramatic entrance, with glowing red lamps. We were ready for the evening, but in no hurry. There was a lot to take in, on the outside.

​In We Go

The mysterious doors opened every minute or so.  A host greeted the next in line. (all had reservations) It felt a little like a speakeasy.

Once inside, our eyes had to adjust to the dark, space. 4,800 thousand square feet.

Across the arched bridge, I spotted a bar with glowing green rabbits! I think they were rabbits. 

I snapped photos quickly, knowing there would soon be crowds filling the space.

To the left of the bar, I spotted some cozy booth seating. 

I snapped another photo, even though the lighting was so dim it was impossible to capture.

​Trees and Sky

We followed the hostess through the dazzling main dining room. The round table caught my eye... beside a glowing tree and beneath a ceiling of tiny white stars! 

Arsalun Tafazoli is the name behind this spectacular, almost movie set interior. Although born in the U.S., Tafazoli's parents were from Iran. Growing up, he frequently visited the Middle East and grew to love the ancient beauty and regional foods, from Morocco to Iran. The spectacular atmosphere of Leila, was inspired by the night markets of Marrakesh.

Room in Back

We followed our hostess into a small room with 4 tables. There were arched windows looking into the main dining room.

Each table was lit by an oil lamp. An amazing mix of fabrics and textures and designs, surrounded each sitting area.

Nearby Fountain

We didn't have any glowing trees or bridges in our room. 

But we slid into our booth, right beside this sweet tile fountain. It truly felt like we'd take a trip to a place that I've only seen in photos.
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Fabric Fort

Rhona took this photo of Don and me, getting ready to enjoy the evening. 

We were absolutely surrounded by woven designs. It was cozy and romantic and playful all at once. It felt like a circus one moment and a childhood fort made of sheets & blankets, the next. I'm pretty sure that is not what Tafazoli had in mind with this design. But I loved it!

Upstairs

I only sat for a moment before I had to be "let out" of my corner. A trip to the Ladies Room was my excuse. 

There actually was no Ladies Room, or Mens Room.

This was the common area where all guests could wash their hands, or slip into one of the "water closets", behind a few beautifully carved doors.

Worthy of 2 photos!! This might have been the most lovely toilet I've ever seen! I wanted to peek in the other doors to see if the designs varied. But I was a little timid, in case someone failed to lock their door.

​Up & Down

My trip to the restroom was sort of an excuse, to peek around quickly, before the crowds. 

I just had to go up that pretty stairway, surrounded by rock walls and lamp-holding lions! 

The festive bar was even cozier than downstairs bar. 

And the view from the second level, was worth the trip!

So many curves! So many glowing lanterns! 

My attempts at showing the starry sky and the rocky wall, were quite lame. Better to just look with your eyes sometimes.  

Down

I took a quick photo before dashing back to the table. Then I decided not to dash at all. There was no railing and my glasses were on the table. Man, this is dark. They are not catering to oldsters here. I squinted like an old granny and chuckled as I imagined myself... a slow (Carol Burnette-style) tumble, landing by the lions.

I'm being dramatic. I don't ever worry about stairs. But I did use my old rock-climbing skills and feel for a crevice or 2 as I walked (not dashed) all the way down.

Kitchen

No drama on the stairs, but I did see some flame excitement when I turned towards the open kitchen island, near the bottom of the stairs.

There was a lot going on with wood logs and flickering flames and massive skewers. A happy and busy staff was attending.

Bread!

The smells of fresh breads alerted me as well! Naan, pita, Khobz, Za'atar!

I believe the circular opening, was part of the custom made, clay tabun oven I'd read about. Similar to the tandoor ovens used for cooking Indian naan.

Menu

Honestly, I wasn't gone long. Our menus had just arrived. The design on the cover had just as many intricate designs as we had on and around our table.

We were encouraged by our server, to enjoy sharing many dishes. 

Salatim Platter

We began with an amazing platter of breads and spreads and "dips". I'm sure dip is not the term to use. But we did lots of dipping.

Hummus, muhammara, cucumber yogurt, green tahini, shallot yogurt, pickles, olives, all served with 3 kinds of bread. The flavors were amazing.

Cocktails

Don and I haven't been to Iran or any of the Arab countries, that inspired the foods in the menu. But we've had quite a few Sazeracs, in New Orleans. Don was pretty curious to try Leila's Saz'arak. 

This was quite an interesting version of the famous New Orleans cocktail!  Bourbon arak, apricot, flaernum, peychaud's bitters!

Don was given some special instructions about how to go about this. I was was too busy with my own drink and foods, to see how he tackled this!

Ready to Enjoy

Cliff and Rhona lived in Azerbaijan, for a number of years. They've dined in Middle East. They've served us Turkish feasts. I knew if they were impressed, it would be a good thing. 

They were! They seemed just as eager about taking in the atmosphere and enjoying all the flavors, as Don and me! Cheers to dining adventures with these 2!

And I must mention my drink, as well! Azizam! Rum, arak, cardamom, banana, coconut, pineapple, lime! 

I was giddy over the wild list of tropical ingredients in my drink. I'd say it went well with my goodies from the platter!

Main Dishes

​The photo below, shows that we possibly ordered too much for the size of our table!

Luckily the oval plate did not land in my lap. The flaming lamp did not fall over either!

The food arrived swiftly with a number of servers. 3 kinds of kabob, (chicken, beef  veggie) were skillfully de-skewered onto large plates. I wish my camera skills had been faster. That scene was very fun!

The aromas wafting up from that table, were just amazing. So many flavors and spices. Saffron, turmeric, tahini, onion. The roasted tomatoes and sumac onions, were just perfect along with the tender meats! 

The fire roasted cauliflower (above) was actually one of my favorites!  Sun dried tomato, preserved lemon, cumin, dukkah... Just mouthwatering!

Heading Off

By the time the last plate was carried away, we were delightfully stuffed. 

The restaurant was crowded and loud by the time we headed outside. The restaurant on 30th Street, looked fun with the dramatic lighting.

We had a short walk to our car, which was probably good. We needed to move a little, after that extraordinary feast! 

What a memorable dinner, with the best of friends. So hope to return!
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