No trip to Southern California would be complete without a visit to a great Persian Kabob restaurant. On a recent trip to visit family I went to the Irvine Grill. A casual restaurant in a quaint shopping mall surrounded by olive trees with indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside on a cool night with the heaters giving us warmth. The jewel in the crown at Irvine Gill is their delicious kabob served with different varieties of rice and salads.

In addition to the kabobs there is a selection of Persian stews served with basmati rice. I had the chicken soltani with one skewer of boneless chicken and one skewer of ground chicken served with basmati rice and a mixed green salad. My family had lamb kabob, ground beef kabob and Cornish hen kabob. You can either have the saffron white rice or order any mixed basmati rice they offer. My chicken was tender, moist with a flavorful lemon saffron taste.

I had the fresh brewed Persian tea throughout my meal as I found it soothing and helped warm me. For dessert we shared the Persian ice cream which has saffron, rose water and pieces of cream and the saffron, rose water and cardamon rice pudding which is my favorite! If you are looking for fantastic comfort food in a comfortable environment, then the Irvine Grill hits the spot.