Spike Island Café will be turning into a ‘Flying Carpet’ for one night, to take you into the heart of legendary Persia! 

In 2011, travel writer, Lois Pryce ignored all the official warnings against her planned trip and set off alone on a 3,000 mile ride to uncover this most complex and incongruous country, following the steps of Freya Stark, that other intrepid English woman who travelled Iran in  the 1930s.

Lois will be sharing with us the story of her Revolutionary Ride, a remarkable travelogue about a people and a country. Religious and hedonistic, practical and poetic, modern and rooted in tradition this is real contemporary Iran.

We will welcome you with Persian hospitality through etiquette of taarof, with some traditional mezze bites  and magical Persian cocktails. With this we hope to bring you the taste of Iran, the luscious scent of the fruit and flowers when they are still warm from the sun, and to make you feel the sensual pleasure of breathing in the scent of mysterious gardens of Shiraz. 

So sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

“There is a force within that gives you life. Seek that.” Rumi

Sofra

(see translations below) 

Welcome Cocktails:

Shahrzad’s Dream 

Gin, Rose water, Pomegranate & hint of Cardamom

Rumi’s Dance 

Vodka, Chia seeds, Mint and Lime

(these can also be non-alcoholic)

Mezze Bites:

Kuku

Noon & Paneer

Mirza Ghasemi

Borani-e Spinach

Taziki

Dolmas

Laboo & golpar

————

8.15pm -Talk from Lois with Q&A

Lois Pryce talks about her book ‘Revolutionary Ride’,  her journey through Iran on her motorcycle, and her discovery of the real Iran, of its people, food, hospitality and breath taking scenery.  

Lois’ book will be available to buy on the night and she is happy to sign any copies.

9.15 - 10.30pm - mingling and Goodnight

Persian brewed black tea & saffron

Mint Tea

Both with Nabat 

& Shirini bites 

————

Translation 

Sofra : 

The spread or cloth upon which dishes of food are placed at meal times, either on the floor or table.  For us, here this evening, it means a spread of food and drink, entertainment, knowledge and understanding of Iranian culture.

Taarof :

Taarof plays a large role in the etiquette of food. You must eat to please the host and accept more when offered.  Good manners dictate that you have to pretend that the food was excellent but you are full.  Your host will then demand you do not do taarof (“ta’rof nakon”) – you must say 'no' 2 or 3 times and then you pretend to give in to their will and accept more.  This is not an actual requirement of the evening and we hope you won’t have to pretend to like the food!

Kuku : 

Light and fluffy herb & vegetable frittata with saffron, walnuts and barberries 

Noon & Paneer : 

A wrap of flatbread, cheese, fresh herbs and tomato (Iranian national sandwich)

Mirza Ghasemi :

Soft, roasted aubergine in tomato and garlic sauce.

Borani-e Spinach : 

A delicate dip of spinach, yogurt and lots of garlic!

Laboo & gulper :

Cooked beetroot, infused with basil oil, sprinkled with Persian hogwart powder

Nabat  : 

Saffron infused rock candy to keep your tea company 

Shirini Bites   : 

Little sweets 

This mezze is all vegetarian, and vegan options will be made for those who request it.  All dietary information will be available on request.  Please inform us of any allergies before attending the event - we will do our best to cater to any needs.

Please call if you have any questions - 0117 954 4030 or email admin@cookingco.co.uk