How many of us can recall a hearty meal in a community-themed restaurant, because the lip-smacking traditional fare was devoured over fascinating stories and anecdotes that were centered on that same community? This columnist was lucky to have had one such engaging session recently at Cafe MommyJoon in Bandra. Egged on by positive reviews, I dropped by this cosy nook off Linking Road with a fellow foodie whose Iranian genes made the experience all the more enriching.

We spotted hints of traditional decor that one would possibly find in a Persian home; the turquoise-and-white mosaic-tiled table tops were a salute to the region’s famed tile art. No surprises that the ambiance got the vote of this meat-loving Anglo Indian even before the meal began. We tucked into Borani spinach (a heavenly mezze dish made from spinach, onion and garlic, and blended in yoghurt topped with walnut and raisins), Barbari bread (Persian flatbread) and Kabob koobideh (barbecued ground lamb kabob skewers). Amidst the heady aromatic flavours that wafted across, we were able to hold on to the strains of peppy Iranian music that somehow held its own despite the consistent buzz, courtesy our fellow diners that comprised an interesting mix -- there were families, yuppies representing Bandra’s Richie Rich junta, and a bunch of animated white-collared corporates chilling over platefuls of polow (pulao), Iranian chai and later, baklava, as a takeaway.