Food is one of the many ways to express culture. Here in Milwaukee we are fortunate enough that we can turn the corner to sample a taste of China, drive a few minutes to experience Italy and go across the street for good ol' Americana.

Well now, Milwaukee has welcomed the opportunity to taste a bit of Iran at Shiraz Restaurant.

Though Shiraz, 6030 W. North Ave., is a bit of a drive in comparison to its sister restaurant Sahar, located downtown, the owner of both restaurants, Mehran Edalatpour, promises it will be worth it.

Edalatpour said one of the main reasons for opening this second Persian restaurant was because of the Wauwatosa location, which allows for more parking conveniences. He said the combination of the added parking spots, as well as the authentic food of course, make this restaurant worth the trip out there.

According to Edalatpour, the food at the restaurant is the main reason "people come in and go out happy." An Iranian chef who uses ages-old classic recipes from Iran, such as Kabob Chenjeh, and Chicken Sultani, cooks the food. Ealatpour said the authenticity of the food adds to the cultural atmosphere he wants the restaurant to have.

Shiraz, named after Edalatpour's hometown in Iran, celebrated its grand opening on March 18th, but according to Edalatpour, the process of getting the restaurant ready was not easy.

The restaurant was formerly known as Jake's, and though Edalatpour thought it would be the perfect location for his restaurant, many internal changes were needed.

Edalatpour said many behind the scenes renovations were made, such as equipment changes. But he also said that many changes to the décor of the restaurant itself were not made because it "was already very cozy."

Cozy indeed. The 99-seater restaurant is small with a dark interior, courtesy of maroon carpeting and tablecloths and wooden walls, ceilings, chairs and booths.

Small Persian rugs hang above the booths in the intimate dining area and small hanging lights offset the dimness somewhat. According to Antoaneta Miteva, manager of the restaurant, the interior of the restaurant was hard to change because of all the wood, but that didn't bother her or Edalatpour because they thought it added to the intimate feel of the restaurant.

While adding a second Persian restaurant to Milwaukee's dining scene definitely adds diversity to the city, Edalatpour feels that this restaurant is especially important because he feels he can contribute to the breaking down of Middle Eastern stereotypes. He feels that ethnic restaurants offer the opportunity to educate others about different parts of the world as well as induce an appreciation for diversity.

Being an Iranian immigrant, Edalatpur thinks this is especially important. He believes Shiraz allows Middle Eastern countries, such as Iran, to "get put on the surface culturally."

Shiraz Restaurant is open from 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m Monday to Thursday and 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The bar opens at 4:00 p.m Monday through Saturday.