A Taste of the Mediterranean on Kanan

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here's this week's choice:

Overview: When I am looking for a light and fresh meal, Char Fasl on Kanan Road is one of my favorite places to frequent. There aren't too many Persian and Mediterranean restaurants in the area, so this is a real find. The service is speedy, the food is delicious and reasonable and it's family-friendly.

Drinks: The majority of drinks at Char Fasl are teas and juices. Enjoy a hot cup of Turkish Coffee ($5.50) or Persian Tea ($2.50). My personal favorite is the Hot Chocolate ($3.00). They have fountain beverages along with a variety of juices, including apple cider, barberry, orange, apple and pomegranate.

Appetizers/Sides: I love their Hummus ($5.95) with lots of lemon and tahini, served with warm pita bread. What's a trip to Char Fasl without some Babaghanush ($5.95)? I also like to have the Must o Khiar ($4.95) which is yogurt and cucumber topped with raisins and nuts. Some Mediterranean items on the menu include Dolmeh $5.95, which are stuffed grapes leaves, Persian Pickles $3.95, Persian Olives ($3.95) and Tahdig ($5.95).

Soups/Salads: Char Fasl offers a delicious Addass Soup ($4.95/cup), which is very similar to a lentil soup. They also have a great selection of large and refreshing salads. My favorites are the Charbroiled Chicken Salad ($9.95) and the Tabouli Salad ($4.95) with diced tomato, parsley, green onion and tabouli. The Greek Salad ($7.95), full of feta and olives, is a customer favorite, as well as the Chef's Special House Salad ($7.95). If you love mint, try the Salade Shirazi ($4.95) with cucumber, onion, parsley, mint, lemon and tomato. They also have a Chicken Caesar Salad ($9.95) and House Salad ($4.95).

Kabobs: Whether beef or chicken, they've got kabobs covered! All kabobs are served on a bed of basmati rice with grilled tomato. They have six different beef kabobs, including the Shish Kabob ($16.95) with filet mignon, onions and bell peppers. The Kabob Soltani ($17.95) and Lobia Polo ($12.95) with mixed greens beans are popular. I love the Chicken Koobideh ($11.95) grilled to perfection. Of their 10 different chicken choices, the Addas Polo ($14.95) with garlic and servied with lentil, the Chicken Barg ($15.95) and Chicken Shish Kabob ($14.95) are customer favorites. They offer different combinations if you are craving both chicken and beef. Want lamb? The Lamb Kabob ($18.95) is cooked over an open fire and served with grilled vegetables. You can also enjoy seafood on a stick with the Salmon Kabob ($19.95) or Trout Kabob ($19.95).

Entrees: If you like lamb, they have some savory dishes. Enjoy a Rack of Lamb ($18.95) with rice and a salad or the Lamb Shank ($13.95) with lima beans. They have a daily White Fish ($19.95) and Char Fasl Shrimp ($19.95) cooked to perfection with vegetables. Enjoy different stews like Ghormeh Sabzi ($11.95) with fresh herbs, kidney beans and chunks of beef with basmati rice. Try an eggplant and beef combination with sour grapes in the Gheimeh Bademjan ($13.95) stew. If you want a sandwich they have several options, like the Boneless Chicken Sandwich ($11.95), Ground Chicken Sandwich ($11.95) wrapped in lavash bread or the Ground Beef Sandwich ($11.95). 

Desserts: My favorite dessert is the Baghlava ($3.95). It's sweet, nutty and flakey. On a hot summer day, I also love their Persian Ice Cream ($3.95). Enjoy flavors like honey melon, cucumber, pistachio, chocolate, strawberry and more. They also have Persian Pastry ($4.95) and Bamieh ($5.50).