ANAR PERSIAN GRILL

A Culinary Adventure Awaits

High on the list of things that people are missing during the COVID-19 pandemic is the opportunity to explore other parts of the world. While it will likely be some time before we can set off on adventures, we are fortunate to have excellent restaurants in Steveston to help transport our taste buds to exotic destinations.

Tila Akhavan and her brother David Akhavan are the owners of Anar Persian Grill, a relative newcomer to the village. The restaurant is housed in Steveston’s historic courthouse, which was constructed in the 1920s.

After many walks along Third Avenue, Tila fell in love with the charming little building.

Anar was previously located in central26 StevestonInsider.com

Richmond, however, in 2019, Tila discovered the old courthouse was for lease and her dream came true to operate Anar in Steveston where she resides.

Originally from Tehran, the huge capital city of Iran, Tila found her way to laid-back Steveston after an interesting series of moves to Nova Scotia, then she recrossed the Atlantic to live in Ireland, and finally arrived in B.C. in 2014.

She and her brother have a fine-tuned partnership. Tila says, “We do everything together from A to Z.” David brings years of culinary experience from his time spent working as a chef in Germany. Tila contributes her financial expertise and also assists in the kitchen.

Grilling over an open fire is a cooking method frequently used in Persian cooking, and extensive renovations were necessary to transform the kitchen.

Iranian cuisine is widely referred to as Persian cuisine.

The restaurant’s décor features Persian carpets and artwork that carries through the theme of the anar, the Persian word for pomegranate. Pomegranates are well represented in a number of Anar’s appetizers and main dishes.

All meals are made to order. Compliments are frequently heard regarding the home-cooked tastes that David skillfully prepares. Many of the dishes are grilled or slow-cooked overnight. Tila mentions, “Lamb shanks slow cook for 10 to 12 hours which produces delicious flavours.”

Anar’s meals are beautifully presented. One of the most requested entrées is the tender lamb shank served with basmati dill rice and fava beans. Equally popular are the variety of kebabs, which individually showcase beef, chicken, fish, lamb, and veggie. The hummus appetizer is a customer favourite; it is served with Persian bread and olives.

Many vegetarian selections are featured on Anar’s menu. Tila explains, “Vegetarian food makes up a large part of Iranians’ diets.”

Tila says, “People really like the dishes that include eggplant. Even people who don’t like eggplant change their mind when they taste it!”

The Tachin Morgh (a saffron rice cake with chicken breast) is a very special item that requires pre-ordering. It serves four to six people and customers will often choose this dish to celebrate a special occasion, or to try something different.

Tila’s housemade baklava earns glowing reviews. Last fall she began introducing the “slice of heaven” to customers who became devoted fans and promised to come back and bring their friends along. What makes Tila’s recipe unique is the use of rice flour in the pastry. People who follow a vegan or gluten-free diet are thrilled to be able to eat this tasty dessert. There are also a number of other options on the menu to please customers with special diets.

The pandemic began a few months after Anar opened. The brother and sister team are extremely grateful that customers have been supporting them. One couple gave flowers to

Tila and David to thank them for making their wedding anniversary unique. Some people place takeout orders as they walk by, while others use delivery services. Lunch or dinner can be enjoyed on the lovely east-facing patio.

People have been telling Tila and David to hold on tight and they are doing everything they can to help support them. Tila says, “These are heartwarming words.”

Tila has a deep appreciation for Steveston and wants to thank Anar’s loyal customers for their unwavering support. She concludes, “I feel so happy to have the opportunity to introduce my food and culture to the community.”

Tila Akhavan & David Akhavan, owners of Anar Persian Grill

In turn, we are thrilled to have a new dining option in the village. Thank you for introducing Steveston to another fascinating region of the world with no suitcase, passport, or plane ticket required to go on a tantalizing voyage!

Anar Persian Grill

12051 Third Avenue Richmond, BC V7E 1K3 Telephone 778-834-1707 www.anargrill.com