This restaurant looks and sounds delicious. Really enjoyed this article.
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This is so inspiring! As a 59 year old, and someone who loves to cook for my family and friends(and who often comes home from her day job and threatens to quit and open a restaurant instead) this whole article speaks to me!!! All of the people who are criticizing the title as "click-bait" might want to open their minds to the notion that re-inventing yourself at 59 IS news-worthy and worth celebrating! Brooklyn here I come!
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the last book I read about Persia was published in 1977 with a
story that took place in 1928. ( Gordon Brook - Shepherd ).
Her age is in the headline because....
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@LIfusion Because working in a restaurant kitchen is really, really hard work. I have done it most of my life. I left the restaurant world at the age of 53 to open a cooking school, as the rigors of the business, years of 80 hour weeks, standing in 100 degree kitchens, was starting to take its toll. That's why. I have many great adventures and memories though.
OMG! I can't wait to go there. As a Persian, we have 3 Persian restaurants in NYC that are all typical Kabab and 5 other stews that any Persian knows.
Its about time that there is a creative, true Persian female cook opened this restaurant.
Thanks Melissa for the heads up!
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It was entirely possible to write this article without making a silly spectacle of the chef's age. As written, this headline is click-bait, and I expect more from this paper's editors.
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@RDA I usually bristle when I see someone's age as a headline point, but this time it did not bother me. I think the intent was to show that it is never too late to try something daring and bold and different, and praise be to someone who embarks on a new adventure at an age when most people retreat. Her age is part of the story, and one reason I will try to go to her restaurant should I ever be back in NYC. I always want to support those who think and act outside the expected.
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Why is her age headline-worthy?
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@Shaun Eli Breidbart I believe the point they're trying to make in the headline is that you're never too old to go for it. Her dream deferred was finally actualized. In the article it points out she put if off until her children were grown. As a 52 year old myself, I cheered her persistence. Not only did she never let go of her passion, she started her own business in the unforgiving world of NYC restaurant business. Our society on the whole my be ageist, and perhaps I shouldn't be so impressed by Ms. Alikhani breaking out professionally at 59. But I am and I think that's what the headline was counting on
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@David Exactly! I'm 56 and putting together my plan for a food project. There are days I think I'm out and out crazy ("at my age?!"), but I'm driven by that same madness; it's a passion that won't die down. Ms Alikhani's story is an inspiration to me. And her menu, the spices... wow, let's just say we'll be heading over to Prospect Heights sooner rather than later.
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@ Shaun Eli Breidbart NY, NY
Because we live in a culture that worships youth and ignores age as a sign of greater wisdom.
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Hope to make a visit...love Persian food. Was intro'd in college, way back in the early 90s, by an Iranian female friend who would cook for me...so good...
I forgot to mention in my previous comment that I love Melissa Clarks recipes as well and have made many with excellent results. I love the videos, they make her recipes seem much easier!
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I have been fortunate to have a few Iranian friends who introduced me to their cuisine. I have since moved from southern California where there is an abundance of middle eastern restaurants. Reading this article made me hunger
for those days. My project for this winter is going to improve my culinary skills with Persian and other middle eastern dishes.
Perhaps a cook book is in order Nasim.
Variety is the spice of life!
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Great story! Inspiring! You GO girl!
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I have followed Sofreh since its inception and I can't wait to visit it during my next trip to NYC. As it goes "behind every successful woman is a man" !! so some credit should be given to Mrs Alikhani's husband Theodore (Akis) Petroulas, who helped make the dream a reality in more than one way.
My congratulation to this happy, creative family.
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@Christos Vlachos Ah, she married a Greek! Good for her. Greeks love pork too.
Born Iranian with a love for food and culture; being in the states for 26, I have not tasted any restaurant food that reminded me of back home. When I saw a new Iranian restaurant opening nearby, me and my wife immediately planned on stopping by. I already knew it would be a different experience after stepping in and taking in the environment and ambiance. The experience got even better with our initial contact with the owners and mangers who greet you with open arms; one thing Persians are known for, "their hospitality". The range of special cocktails are out of this world, unique mixtures of Iranian spices mixed with modern specialties just brightens your taste buds. You will not find the average Persian restaurant menu, it stands original and unique. The flavors are so instinctive, with each bite you have slight flash backs of your families cooking back home. Great time and I can't wait to go back
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How is it possible for the headline to tell me I won't find kebab on the menu and then I click through to the menu and find kebab?! Now I must wonder what else I read is wrong but I simply didn't catch.
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that's awesome. I'm not even 47 and have quit trying. trying at work and personal life.
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Darn it, Melissa, now I'm hungry again.
Guess I have to face facts. I don't get to NYC often enough to keep up with my "Restaurants I need to try next time I'm in NYC" list. Based on your piece (and the photos) I added Sofreh to it anyway.
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Such an inspiration!
Learning to cook
At an age.
As a woman.
And with integrity and heritage!
Many blessings and health as you forge a future!
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@ Mary Keeler New Hamphsire
Kudos to Ms. Alikhani for having transformed or transsubstantiated "the call of her Motherland" into a cuisine saturated with wonderful herbs. Spices and herbs are the ingredients that are sorely lacking in the diet of the nation of the eaters of hamburgers-with-ketchup and tasteless vegtables.
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First, I want to go here so much next time I'm in the City.
Second, it gives me hope that someday I may yet get to do what I want for a living.
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As a note, the last main dish on the menu published on Sofreh’s website is a kebab. Nonetheless, the menu (including the fish dish discussed here) looks terrific, and I’ve already made a reservation to go this week.
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Coincidentally, went to Sofreh last night for the first time and had this dish - which I believe was halibut, not cod - and it was wonderful. Highly recommended.
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I’ve always interested on Persian food, especially anything made from rice (from pictures I see). It looks very delicious . “No passport required “ a food show on PBS’ host chef Samuelson was interviewed on WNYC recently and one caller a Persian woman from New Jersey asked him to include Persian food in his show. I think this restaurant worth of checking out. I’m sure I will, especially that fish dish !Thanks for sharing .
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If I was still living in NYC, I would definitely make a trip to taste her cooking, it sounds wonderful.
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