Saturday, June 28, seventeen guests joined Chef Paris Nabavi at his home in Ka’anapali for a scrumptious meal, good wine and a little insight into the amazing Persian dishes he makes.
The evening started with everyone enjoying from a nice selection of wine as old friends reconnected and new friends met. Some people had been to many of Chef Nabavi’s private dinners while this was a first time for many. We gathered in his outdoor kitchen area which is right next to his garden.
We were invited inside for the unveiling of the meatballs which came out of the oven in cheesecloth packages that each looked big enough to feed a family. Chef Nabavi explained how this was a revision of a typical Persian meatball recipe and did admit that these were the largest ones he’d made. The time in preparation and care for each step to the final product shows the passion that Chef Nabavi puts into his creations.
The appetizers were served and everyone filled their plates with variety of sauces, condiments, crudités and bread that were both beautiful and tasty.
The Mega Meatball!
When the main meal was served, the meatballs suddenly seemed even bigger! Although everyone could have one, many people shared. I shared mine and still took half of it home. Chef Nabavi explained how to eat the meatball by breaking it up, letting the meats soak in the delightful saffron sauce and enjoy the fruit surprise in the middle of the meatball! This surprise was a delightful mix of fruits that perfectly complemented the meat.
Dessert was a rosewater and saffron ice cream with crispy cookies. I didn’t think I could possibly finish it but the ice cream was so light and refreshing that large bowls were emptied quickly. If you haven’t tasted this ice cream, you are missing an amazing treat.
The evening went by quickly and soon it was time to go. It was great to meet new friends and share plans for Grow Some Good.
Mahalo to Chef Nabavi and his family and staff for a wonderful meal and opening his home for this event. All money collected went straight to Grow Some Good to help fund a West Side School Garden Coordinator.
If you’d like to enjoy more of Chef Nabavi’s cooking watch for future events like this and visit him at one of his two restaurants – the new Sangrita Grill and Pizza Paradiso.