Day Fifteen: Alounak and Communal Eating

I’ve never had Persian food before, but it seems I’ve been deprived. I walked into the kitchen to platters piled high with meat, pita, broiled tomatoes, and lettuce. It all looked and tasted amazing. I'm not exactly sure how these dishes are served at the restaurant, but the spread of meats, salads, flatbreads, and sauces made this dish the perfect way to enjoy a meal. If you’ve read my other articles you would know how much I absolutely love Middle Eastern food but trust me, this was good,

Rating:

Food: 9/10

Price:$$

Service: NA

Accessibility: NA

Food: Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of sheep meat but I didn’t hate it. It is definitely food to share with the whole family and pile into your own plate. The roasted tomatoes were a favorite of mine and the meat in the soup was flavorful and tender. Paired with the salad and rice it was a perfect little bite. The pita was a little tough but it was overall fun, filling, and delicious. My only caveat is that it was a little greasy. I got some Greek yogurt out of the fringe and it was a perfect way to cut through the heavier flavors.

Accessibility: NA

Service: NA

Nutrition and communal eating:

So… yeah, I didn’t go to the restaurant itself. Maybe I lost some of the atmosphere and affordability, but if you do have a large group and have the money, I would highly suggest eating this food in a communal style as well. I love communal eating, it is a great way to accommodate everyone's taste and can be helpful if you have a group with a variety of intolerances or dietary restrictions. If you have a nutrient deficiency or preference this way of eating can help balance each person’s plate to the individual's needs. There are studies that show communal eating can strengthen familiar bonds and boost happiness and harmony in a group or in the home. Setting to eat and talk is incredibly communal and can pull people together over food and the culture behind it.

I think something that I need to add is how crazy nutritious this meal is. It is very balanced depending on taste and has all the foundational building blocks of energy and nutrition that everyone needs.