CH Projects Is Bringing a Faithful Take on Middle Eastern Food to 30th Street | Eater San Diego
"Opening later this summer in North Park, Leila is a Middle Eastern restaurant envisioned as a personal declaration of culture and family by CH Projects co‑founder Arsalun Tafazoli, who hopes the spot will showcase the region’s cuisines in a way that highlights their unifying similarities despite the wrenching time in the Middle East. The 4,800‑square‑foot, nearly 100‑seat space will serve Persian and Lebanese dishes with Moroccan influences and a serious bread program, featuring foods Tafazoli grew up with such as tahdig, a saffron‑infused Persian rice with a crisp, golden crust that can be served with stewed or braised meats. After an extensive search the group signed Wesley Remington Johnson (Zahav, Marigold Kitchen, Castagna, Submarine Hospitality/Tusk) as executive chef, joined by CIA alum Justin Ayoub, with Leigh Lacap returning to oversee the bar. Tafazoli researched the design in Morocco, sourcing light fixtures from the Marrakesh souks; the custom bar will include terracotta pillars and tiles inspired by sacred sites and the dining room will be filled with an eclectic mix of artwork from regional craftspeople." - Candice Woo
