(kabobbazaar.com) – Clarendon neighborhood, Arlington, Virginia

How I heard of this place: One of my new friends in Arlington mentioned it to me as a place to get good, Persian kabob without having to travel to Tyson’s Corner. A few friends invited me to join them on Sunday evening for dinner at Kabob Bazaar, but I already had other plans. Suffice it to say, it has been on my mind, since.

Type of cuisine: Persian rice and kabobs, including beef, lamb and chicken varieties. Skewers of meat, sometimes with vegetables, always with grilled tomatoes served over rice or bread, as you wish.

Ambiance:  While I joined my friends, seated outside, and did not have the opportunity to peruse the indoor section of Kabob Bazaar, I loved the outdoor patio! Chained in, the small, mismatched tables and chairs allowed for our party of six to be easily accommodated. One green, plastic table with plastic, faux wood center and matching chairs were accompanied by a retro, white linoleum top and silver border. The large, double doors opened up from the restaurant onto the patio, creating what seemed to be an open space that allowed for restaurant furniture to transition between the two areas. The sun glaring above, over the trees that provided shade onto the sidewalk and patio, made it difficult to see the inside, but the darkness, dim lighting and romantic ambiance was apparent. “Kabob Bazaar is delighted to serve the Washington D.C. metropolitan area with authentic Persian cuisine since December 15, 1993.Traditional instrumental Iranian music is played lightly throughout the restaurant, allowing customers to be introduced to a small but significant part of the beautiful Persian culture. Paintings displaying people, places, and designs pertaining to the Iranian culture. Samovars, traditional pots used to boil water and brew aromatic Persian tea, are placed behind the bar. Many customers sit at the bar and enjoy the traditional hot tea while socializing.Kabob Bazaar’s delicious kabobs are freshly prepared daily and cooked right before your eyes on our open-fire grill. We also offer delicious daily specials. Our homemade bread is also made to order, crisp and hot in our tanoor clay-oven.”

What I ordered: After a day of flying from Bellingham via Seattle to Washington, DC, Chris sent me a text while I was on the metro and asked me to end my trip at Clarendon instead of Ballston for a bite to eat. On this visit, Chris stuck with his favorite: Kubideh Kabob with rice ($9.95), served with one, halved, roasted tomato, and a half-pitcher of dough ($4.95). Feeling like I wanted something a little lighter, I opted for the Low Carb Menu’s Grilled Salmon Salad ($12.45), a bed of lettuce, tomato, cucumber and red onion tossed in a lemony house dressing, served with four morsels of unseasoned, grilled salmon. The same starters of warm, fresh baked bread and sabzi-jaat also graced our table as we enjoyed an evening in the shade and heat of the outdoor patio.

What I loved: Of the dinner, I really enjoyed the jujeh kabob most, moist and tender, juicy and well-marinated. The rice was fluffy and perfectly prepared. The warm bread and presentation of the basket were a welcome embrace and created the best mini appetizer to whet our appetites before the meals arrived. The desserts, all of which I sampled, were, each one, sweet and delicious. My Napoleon was light and not too dense or sweet. The mousse, creamy and fluffy, yet full of chocolate goodness. The ice cream and paludeh, sweet, and rose-scented made for a surprise, as I was giving them a chance, but prepared for preferring my own. In fact, I wanted to take another bite, and another! Even the doogh was surprisingly good!

Why I loved it: The portions are more manageable than many Persian kabob houses, and the opportunity to share still exists! The low cost and convenient location, great company and friendly staff make for a winning combination!

Cost: Low to average ($9-$15 per dinner entree)