While browsing the internet for our next Family Chow food adventure, we came across a new restaurant that offered “a place where we may learn from one another by sharing stories of love and friendship.` We were intrigued by the mission statement, along with the chance to sample an unfamiliar cuisine.
Persian Bite is a tiny place directly across from Schenectady City Hall on Jay Street. We arrived early on a Saturday night, and the heavily falling snow and less than ideal road conditions worked in our favor, so we were able to snag one of the three tables. We noticed the neat and tidy space was carefully decorated with eye-catching artwork and interesting light fixtures. The intimacy of the setting was a bit awkward for Son and Daughter at first, but within minutes we were chatting with the friendly owner and picking out drinks from the cooler across the room.
It didn’t take us long to peruse the simple menu that was neatly divided into categories for appetizers, kabobs and wraps. Although the elements of the dishes were familiar, with rice and meat, yogurt and bread, the names of the dishes were not and we were looking forward to seeing what made each dish Persian. Appetizers ranged from the soup of the day to a finely chopped veggie salad and a couple of yogurt dips served with bread. There were about a half dozen meat kabobs, all served with rice or bread, and the wraps section included several vegetarian plates.
Mom started off the ordering with a Persian tea and two yogurt dip appetizers for the table. As we listened to some pleasant background music, we were noticing the brisk take-out business at the counter. Mom enjoyed her small glass cup of tea served on a pretty plate with a side dish of sugar cubes. Two rounds of toasty flat bread arrived with our dips and we wasted no time comparing the garlicky Seer Must to the cucumber flavored Must O’Kheyer. Daughter liked the “really fresh” tasting cucumber dip, as did Dad, because of the added texture of the vegetable. Mom liked the garlic flavor of the Seer Must and the thick texture of the yogurt. Son focused his attention on the bread and was impressed with the fork marks in each round.
The dips were just enough to stoke our appetites and we didn’t wait long before the main dishes arrived. Son and Daughter ordered the Jojeh Kabab, a long skewer of marinated chicken served with a side of rice and small salad. Son loved the fluffy, basmati rice and Daughter commented on the flavorful, well-cooked chicken. Both noted the perfectly sized portions of food – not too much, but enough to satisfy. Mom ordered the Bakhtiari Kabab – one chicken and one lamb kabab. She noted both the meat and side of broiled tomato were blackened “just enough.” Dad also enjoyed the tender and tasty meet in his entrée of Koobideh (kababs of ground beef and lamb). We all noted and liked the addition of Frank’s Redhot sauce to the yogurt dressing in the shredded cabbage side salad. Between the meat, rice, broiled tomato, salad and leftover yogurt dip, we happily spent our meal combining different tastes and textures.
By the end of our dinner at Persian Bite, we all felt as if we had eaten a lot, without feeling weighed down by a big meal. And for a grand total of $55 (before tip) we noticed the great value. We had to agree that Persian Bite is a great addition to the Schenectady dining scene. Overall, we would happily dine at Persian Bite anytime to experience the delicious food and warm hospitality. We give Persian Bite 3.5 C’s for service, 4 C’s for family friendliness and 3.5 C’s for food.
The Family Chow hails from the Capital District and review area restaurants based on service, food and family friendliness.
