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For many decades, most Americans have described the Ayatollah Khomeini as a "bad guy," and there was even a country song during the 1980's that described him as "Khomeini, you ol' meanie..." The current president of Iran, Hassan Rouhaini, is considered a "moderate," but he is still a piece of work. OK... I'm off my political rant. Food? The Nation of Iran definitely knows something about delicious food, and Iran meets Sacramento at Sactown Kabob, where diners enjoy delicious, Persian cuisine. As with all of reviews that I publish, I have no affiliation with the restaurant reviewed, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my dining experiences.
Photo: It's a little before five in the afternoon on Thursday, January 18, 2018, and I've arrived at Sactown Kabob to enjoy some delicious Persian cuisine at this friendly restaurant, as it's been a long time since I've enjoyed at "taste of Iran." At the time, I felt something "clicked," as it's not often I enjoy an early dinner on "18/18," but on this late afternoon, the timing seemed right.
Photo: As you walk in the door of the restaurant, the friendly owner, Maryam, greets you, and welcomes you to her restaurant. If you're looking for beer, wine or booze, you're out of luck, as this fine restaurant is "dry," which is OK with me, especially when I'm driving. The open kitchen is just over her right shoulder. The menu is on the wall - and on paper, if you choose - and like in "taqueria style" you make your menu selection, pay for it at the register, and when your order is ready, your name will be called.
Photo: On this late Thursday afternoon, the restaurant was lightly seated, so I had a good chance to check out the place, and talk to the owner, Maryam. The gentleman seated at the table ordered three take-out dinners, and during the 15 minutes or so that it took for Maryam and her co-worker to prepare his orders, he spent his entire time texting.
Photo: Sactown Kabob features an open kitchen, where you can watch the chef at work. The owner and chef, Maryam, is cooking jeejeh - - chunks of charbroiled, boneless chicken breasts - over the grill, which features "flavorizer" bars similar to my propane-fired grill I use outdoors.
Photo: The menu is offered in a take-out, printed variety, and is also posted above the kitchen. This is the complete "food" menu, with a limited amount of deserts and drinks on the other side. I ordered a "Combo," but I wish I would have read the menu more carefully, as a "Soup of the Day" would have been a great addition to my early dinner, although I was completely filled when I left the restaurant.
Photo: Maryam, the owner of the restaurant, and chef, scoops a large helping of saffron infused basmati rice on to my dinner plate. The rice comes from the large cooker on the counter, which is cooking rice any time the restaurant is open. I am not particularly knowledgeable about Persian/Iranian cuisine, except to know that I love it, but I was under the impression that basmati rice was native to India and Pakistan, so I'm wondering how it found it's way into Persian cuisine? Whatever the semantics, I love it!
Photo: Maryam is grilling jooheh for the other gentleman, but she took my piece, and removes it from the skewer, with a knife, and places it on my plate, along with my koobideh, which is already sitting on the bed of basmati rice. Check out the gigantic rice cooker that's sitting on the counter! I love the open kitchen concept, which is a staple in many restaurants that specialize in Near-East, or Mediterranean cuisine, including Sactown Kabob, as an open kitchen allows me to watch the staff at work, take photos, and actually see my meal prepared.
Photo: Hello world! I'm ready to enjoy a delicious late lunch, or early dinner, whatever you want to call it. My order was ready less than 15 minutes after placing it, and Maryam placed it on the counter, and said, "Eric, your dinner is ready." Thank's, ma'am for a delicious dinner, and thanks for being such a gracious hostess.
Photo: Since today was my first visit to Sactown Kabob, I decided to "go for it" and order the "Combo," which includes that basics, basmati rice, hummau, a Mediterranean salad, and the main event, two varieties of kabobs. The amazing meal starts with a rectangular plate, which is very practical, and also adds to the beautiful presentation. Like all of the "kabob" dishes on the menu, the meal starts with an order of hummus, a fresh, green salad, and a HUGE order of saffron infused basmati rice your meat is placed on. Check out the olive oil and the paprika which adds to the wonderful flavor. The "Combo" includes "Koobideh" along with a skewer of "Joojeh." Alright, you're probably not familiar with what those dishes are, but "Koobideh" is a skewer of juicy, charbroiled, seasoned ground beef - grilled over the grill in the kitchen - outdoor barbecue style. "Joojeh" is chicken breasts, marinated in saffron sauce, placed on a skewer, and grilled to perfection. This is a carnivore's delight, which will make any "meat lover" proud! The dinner I enjoyed at Sactown Kabob was wonderful, and as the menu headlines, "Fresh, healthy and always delicious." The service was fast and friendly, the dinner was fresh and satisfying, and the price was very reasonable. Such a delicious dinner! When you're in the mood for delicious, Persian cuisine, Sactown Kabob should be your restaurant of choice. Sactown Kabob Copyright(c) 2018 eRench Productions. All rights reserved. We've been on the web since December 22, 2002.
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