Book dossier

Dinner at Omar Khayyam's

by George M. Mardikian

Mardikian writes in an affable style and recounts his story of immigrating to America. His cooking favors the fresh and simple, avoiding heavy sauces and complex recipes; "Broiled Trout and Lemon Dressing with Piaz" (Piaz is a parsley and onion mixture), a raw spinach salad called "Immigrant's Pack Salad", and "Bean Yahni" (lima bean or soy bean stew") to name a few. Recipes are preceded by informative tips and tales of the recipes origin.