r e s t a u r a n t r e v i e w | review and photos by Nancy Petitti
Darya
T
o sample some of Orange County’s finest Persian food in elegant yet relaxed surroundings, visit Darya. The main dining room is palatial, with high ceilings held
up by massive marble columns. During the day, the room is softly lit by natural
light flowing through leaded glass windows; and at night, by glittering crystal
chandeliers. Crisp white table clothes and sparkling silver cover tables stretching
across the warmly-colorful Persian carpet. In the evening, pleasant background music often can
be heard emanating from the grand piano that graces one corner of the room.
Knowledgeable Staff
Helpful, well-trained waiters in formal black-and-white uniforms guide diners through the many
tantalizing choices on Darya’s full menu. A knowledgeable and friendly waiter named Joshua
waited on my table, assembling a feast of richly-colorful and varied dishes for my guest and I to
enjoy. Joshua confided that the secret to the excellence of Darya’s many traditional Persian dishes
is in the quality of the ingredients and the care taken in their preparation. Fine Persian food is full
of intriguing flavors and textures, not spicy, but with a rich and varied taste.
The most popular appetizers include a rich medley of deep eggplant, yogurt, onions, garlic
and herbs called Borani, which is spread onto delicate pita strips, and the delicious Dolemeh,
cooked grape leaves stuffed with a tantalizing mix of rice, beef, split peas and seasonings. We
also enjoyed the Panir Sabzi, a delicate mix of fresh mint, basil, watercress, tarragon and radish
topped by mild feta cheese and walnuts.
Light Meal Suggestions
For a light meal, try the Ash Reshteh, a wonderfully-rich and hearty soup made of fresh vegetables, noodles, pinto beans, kashk (whey) and garnished with caramelized onions and yogurt.
Or try the Persian salad called Shirazi, a combination of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley and
onion with a light dressing of olive oil, fresh lemon juice and black pepper—a healthy accompaniment to pita slices.
Succulent Main Entrees
For main courses, Darya outdoes itself with its succulent kebabs of melt-in-your-mouth filet
mignon, baby spring lamb tenderloin, fresh seafood, vegetables or marinated chicken served on
a bed of basmati rice. Match your choice of meat or seafood with one of five deliciously flavored
rice dishes. An excellent choice with beef is the Lubia Polo, a zesty mix of rice, green beans,
tomato sauce and diced beef. Of course, Darya also provides a superior selection of wines to
complement any meal.
Sinfully-delicious Desserts
Dessert is a delight to the senses whether you order the sinfully-delicious chocolate mousse dome,
a sphere of dark chocolate surrounded by dabs of colorful fruit jams or the traditional fried
Baghlava, a honey-glazed pastry wafer. An all-time favorite is the banana mocha chocolate cake,
a scrumptious blend of heavenly flavors.
Darya is open for lunch and dinner daily. The luxurious mezzanine room seats up to 90
people and is available for group meetings and celebrations. Darya also offers superb catering. Darya’s creative staff schedules a variety of entertainment and special events listed on the
web site. !
Darya, South Coast Plaza Village, 1611 Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana
(714) 557-6600. www.daryasouthcoastplaza.com
20
June/July
2007