“This is a subtle truth. Whatever you love you are.” – Rumi

TYSONS CORNER, VA – SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 – After two years in the making, The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner is thrilled to announce their first ever pop-up restaurant, Rumi: The Art of Persian Cuisine – a limited four night dining experience that showcases the wonders of Persian dining and culture, in a modern and luxurious setting. Exclusively offered October 13-14 and November 3-4, 2017, guests are invited to partake in an unforgettable Middle Eastern dining experience unlike any other.

Inspired by the 13^th century Persian poet, Rumi, who seduced generations with words of happiness and love, Rumi: The Art of Persian Cuisine seeks to provide guests with an unparalleled dining experience, where diners are invited to delight in the taste, smell, touch and sight of Persia’s wonderfully exotic culture within a wonderfully enriching and dynamic culinary environment.

Rumi’s host and event extraordinaire, Poopak (Patrice) Golesorkhi, is honored to watch her creation come to life. “Our vision for Rumi was twofold,” she explains, “we wanted to take traditional Persian cuisine and elevate it using modern cooking principals, all to be enjoyed in a luxe, upscale setting. The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner instantly stood out as a natural fit to host our pop-up, as we feel the hotel truly serves as an embodiment of international culture and luxury.”

Seeking to spark a discussion about the role that Middle Eastern fusion cuisine plays in today’s market, Rumi’s menu, executed by chef Ahmed Masouleh, will showcase traditional Persian flavors and ingredients such as pomegranate, sour cherries, pistachios, sumac, fenugreek, orange blossom and turmeric, through an enlightened five-course tasting menu. “Having worked as a chef for over twenty-five years at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, I have been fortunate enough to work with the art of creating food that excites and enriches the lives of people from all corners of the world” says Masouleh. “It brings me great pride and joy to be able to introduce Rumi: The Art of Persian Cuisine to all generations of the community. Rumi allows me to elevate authentic Persian food to a higher dimension.”

The five-course tasting menu, priced at $85 per person (not including tax, alcohol, or gratuity), is organized by the pillar teachings of Rumi: first course “Noor” (Light), second course “Omid” (Hope), third course “Shadi” (Happiness), fourth course “Ziba” (Beautiful) and the fifth course “Esgh” (Love). In addition to each of the five food courses, Rumi will feature specialty Persian-inspired cocktails for an additional price.

Starting off the journey into Persian cuisine is the first course, Noor (Light), offering guests the choice of Kashkeh Bademjan eggplant dip; Grape Leaves; Stuffed Peppers or Lentil Soup with crème fraiche and fried shallots. For the second course, Omid (Hope), highlights include Shirazi Salad; Watermelon Salad with feta and mixed greens and Beet Salad with frisee. For the third course, Shadi (Happiness), all diners are offered Shirin Polo – the celebration rice of life and happiness.

Moving into the fourth course, Ziba (Beautiful), guests are presented with a wide array of heartwarming Persian-inspired dishes including Saffron Marinated Chicken Kabob with barberry rice; Lamb Shank with dill and fava bean rice; Lemon Thyme Glazed Sea Bass with butter sauce, bed of koo-koo sabzi, Sabzi polo; Fesenjan Pomegranate Stew with chicken and saffron rice and Marinated Beef Filet with saffron rice and herb chutney.

Rounding out the menu is the fifth and final course, Esgh (Love), which showcases a lovely and indulgent selection of unique desserts. Highlights include Baklava Persian Pistachio;
Earl Grey Crème Brulee;
Faloodeh & Persian Saffron Ice Cream Duo served with sour cherry and fresh mint and Hazelnut Mousse Cake with crushed Sohan Assali.

Rumi at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner will take place in October on Friday, October 13 and Saturday, October 14, 2017 as well as in November on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 2017. Two seatings will be available to book on each of the four dates, with reservations available between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM for the first seating, and reservations available between 9:00 and 9:30 PM for the second seating.  Reservations are required and can be made by calling the hotel at (703) 506-4300 or by emailing RumiTysons@gmail.com.

For more information, or to make other reservation at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, please call the hotel at (703) 506-4300 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/tysonscorner.