Shiraz

Shiraz Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant & décor: Chef/owner Jainine Jaffer presents a unique mix of Indian, Pakistani, Persian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at Shiraz, located in a standalone building at the Southwest corner of Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard. The interior boasts a tile floor, cedar wood walls, a large window and an industrial ceiling, and a long granite-topped bar.

Likes: The menu is quite varied, and there’s a good possibility most everyone will find at least one or more dishes they’ve never tried.
Dislikes: In the mutton biryani (goat marinated and stewed in spices) there are small bones to contend with, but this is to be expected in a dish such as this.

Food & Drinks: Shiraz is one of the few restaurants in Southern Nevada that is halal, which, like kosher-certified, follows strict guidelines. But unlike kosher, it allows the consumption of aquatic animals, such as shrimp, which here includes shrimp masala, spicy marinated shrimp finished in a tomato-based curry. Among the appetizers are kash bademjan (Persian eggplant and walnut dip), amritsari fish pakora (battered and fried in a robust blend of herbs and spices) and ful hummus (unlike traditional versions, it’s made from stewed fava beans instead of chickpeas). Lamb shank is prepared with Persian spices, including saffron and cumin. The mixed grill offers a taste of several dishes and cuisines: tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, malai chicken tikka, beef seekh kabob and lamb chops. Beef lovers may select from handful of filet mignon options; chelo kabob barg is grilled and served with charbroiled tomato and rice. Vegetarians and vegans have many choices, with the likes of bindhi masala (okra sautéed with cumin seeds and dry spice mix) and palak aloo (spinach purée and potato simmered in a cream sauce). Finish with kheer, Indian rice pudding with rose-infused milk, which happens to be chef Jaffer’s grandmother’s recipe. A full bar has an extensive collection of spirits, wine and Indian beers; consider the Old Monk 10000 Super Beer, an 8 percent malt liquor.