Through Santa Cruz restaurant India Joze and organic market New Leaf, you can enjoy two fun food celebrations associated with Nowruz, or the Persian New Year. There is a class at New Leaf on March 17, and a dinner at India Joze on March 27. You don’t have to know anything at all about Persian food or traditions to attend either event, and I encourage you to attend one or both programs. Nowruz is a wonderful holiday that I grew up celebrating, , and its rituals and festivities can transcend cultural boundaries. By the way you’ll see Nowruz (which literally means “new day”) spelled a dozen different ways depending where you look – none of them are ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’
Chef Jozseph Schultz, who owns and operates India Joze, is leading the March 17 New Leaf Nowruz class, which is from 5-8pm at the Westside Fair Avenue location and costs $59. Register online or call (831) 466-9060 x126. This class includes a cooking demo and dinner and promises to be a great time, as world traveler/experienced chef Schultz is a great storyteller full of insights.
The Persian New Year occurs annually at the time of the Vernal equinox. Coinciding with the first day of spring, it’s a time of renewal, community, and many cultural celebrations and festivities. For a unique treat, attend the March 27 special dinner at India Joze; read more and register online. Tickets are $45 before 3/25, $55 after 3/25, or $36/44 for JozBuxers (folks who own large gift certificates and receive 20% discount). The event is from 4-8pm; the menu is subject to change but at press time the bounty of appetizers at 4pm will include Sabzi Khordan (Persian Herb Platter) and Kuku-ye Sabzi (Fresh Herb Frittata). The dinner will feature several dishes such as Fesenjan (you can make this pomegranate walnut stew with a variety of meats; for this holiday feast, Schultz is using duck) Bademjan (Persian Eggplant), Mahi-e Polo (Smoked Whitefish Pilaf) and a vegetarian rice dish. Desserts will include Persian Baklava. I can’t wait to attend and hope to see you there! It will be delicious, a fun time for all, and even educational for those unfamiliar with this rich holiday.
Read this article for more details on India Joze. Since that was published, some things have changed, like the hours (now Mon-Sat 11:30am-9pm except for occasional Sunday special events) while some have stayed the same (it’s still cash only but there’s an ATM just down the street).
If you’re on Twitter, follow me @santacruzfoodie.
India Joze, 418 Front Street
Phone: (831) 325-3633
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30am-9pm
New Leaf Westside Location, 1101 Fair Ave.
Phone: (831) 426-1306