"The name Yalda comes from a Persian festivity of the longest and darkest night of the year, when families come together to share food and stories. With a second location on the West Side, chef Ash Famili shares his food stories through spreads like mirza ghasemi smoked eggplant, grilled meats, roasted halloumi cheese with truffle oil mushrooms, and spectacular polo (rice) dishes. The lentil, raisin, and frizzled onion crispy rice is a must, and the recent Shirin Polo addition to the menu is also worth trying. Generous slices of tender orange peel, barberry, pistachio, and almond combine for that savory, sweet, and fragrant combo that kills." - Su-Jit Lin