A friend of mine and I were wondering where to go for lunch when we happened upon an unexpected pleasure.  We found warm aromas of savory spices from the Middle East at Pamir Kabob House.  They can bring a freezing body back to its norm.  A quaint place, located next to Macaroni Grill in The Bel Villagio Plaza, they offer authentic Afghani kabobs and more.

Photo by Loren Scott

We were served a plate of humus and naan bread fresh from the oven as we looked over the menu. It was a hard choice there were salads, wraps and ethnic dishes that could hardly be pronounced. There were also a large array of vegetarian dishes. I finally settled on the Sazi Chalow, lamb stewed in spinach, green onion and cilantro served with lovely basmati rice. My lunch mate ordered Tandoori Cornish Game Hen. How often do you find that on a menu? The portions were larger than anticipated and both could have easily been shared. Awakening the senses, tantalizing spices fill your nose and taste buds.  The sitar in the background was so relaxing. With local Wien’s wines, Pamir was a refuge from the weather, we did not want to leave.

The menu is so full of ethnic delights, you could visit a dozen times and never repeat a single item. Everything from their extensive menu is prepared to order, from this family run restaurant. I was pleased to discover they cater.  What a great way to get your friends to try some new foods, and paired with the Wiens wines, you can’t go wrong.  I look forward to re-visiting the friendly conversation with the waiter and family members who adoringly display pictures of their children on shelves. It is nice to find a different flavor here in Temecula. Open Monday – Sunday  for menu online www.pamirkabobhouse.com

Photo by Loren Scott