By Trent Modglin

9 N. Prospect Avenue in Park Ridge
(847) 518-5101

ShemroonKababHouse.com

History in short
Husband and wife Mehdi and Asrin Hajiaghazadeh make their home right here in Park Ridge with their three children, and a longstanding passion of theirs has always been to bring people together over a well-cooked meal.

“I have to say, the restaurant was totally was my wife’s idea,” Mehdi tells us with a knowing smile. “We’ve always liked gathering together with friends and family, and with her family’s history with restaurants and cooking, people are always asking her about food.”

Asrin’s dream to own her own restaurant dates back to her days as a teenager. “She loves spending time here and really enjoys the energy of the restaurant,” he adds. “She put the menus together, works with the chefs and did most of the design of the restaurant. She started cooking when she was six years old, so this is where she belongs.”

“We’ve always liked gathering together with friends and family. … My wife started cooking when she was six years old, so this is where she belongs.” — Mehdi Hajiaghazadeh

It took almost two full years from their decision to take the plunge to the actual opening of Shemroon in November of 2022, but it took only a few months to become one of the hottest restaurants in the area. “I still don’t understand how fast the time has passed,” says Mehdi, who has already added on an additional room to the establishment.

At first glance: Mehdi and Asrin have created a warm, friendly and stylish space with high ceilings, exposed air ducts, walls decorated with wine racks, and large windows that bring in a lot of natural light.

The first room, with an entrance off Touhy, has a handful of tables to go with mirrors, chandeliers and a small bar at the end. A second room, down a short hallway, houses five more tables and is perfect for private parties or larger groups. They’re also expanding with a third room next door.

One interesting aspect is how quiet the restaurant remains despite being located alongside the busiest intersection in town.

The Sorayai skewer is huge and particularly difficult to ignore. It consists of marinated filet mignon, topped by seasoned ground brisket, and then layered with saffron chicken.

What we ordered
The better question may be, what didn’t we order? The tasty combinations of Persian kababs, rice, vegetables and appetizers seem almost limitless, which is a beautiful thing when you have a group with differing preferences. There are a total of 12 different kababs (as well as an assortment of skewers) made of everything from chicken, beef tenderloin, filet mignon, lamb and shrimp, and all are seasoned, marinated and grilled to perfection.

The Sorayai skewer is huge and particularly difficult to ignore. It consists of marinated filet mignon, topped by seasoned ground brisket, and then layered with saffron chicken. We ordered it with a flavorful dill basmati rice with lima beans and a delightfully sweeter white rice called adas polo, which is mixed with lentils, raisins and dates. Add a variety of grilled peppers, zucchini, tomato and onion to the plate, and it’s pretty much everything you’d want in a sharable entrée.

Appetizers are popular too, especially the kashke bademjam, a sautéed eggplant that’s mixed with fried onion, garlic, fresh mint and creamed whey and served with a side of bread. The hummus, stuffed grape leaves and yogurt dipping sauces are tasty as well.

Although the grilled meats are what stimulated our senses, rest assured if you’re vegan or vegetarian, as there are a multitude of options for you on the menu as well. Burgers, sandwiches and wraps are available too, in case you have a few picky kiddos alongside. And don’t forget a nice selection of tea, wine, cocktails, beer and Turkish coffee too.

“Mostly we hear about the portion size,” Mehdi says when asked about the free-flowing compliments. “They’re overwhelmed with how much food is offered. And we use all fresh herbs and meats, so the taste and flavors speak for themselves. Our customers definitely appreciate that.”

What caught our eye
Honestly, the mere presentation of the food is quite mesmerizing. So colorful, fresh and perfectly complemented by the sides. … The soft piano music through the speakers is a nice touch, and the pet-friendly sidewalk patio was pretty popular this summer and fall. … Shemroon seems as equally suitable for a romantic dinner as it does for sharing dinner with a large group.

The mere presentation of the food is quite mesmerizing. … And Shemroon seems as equally suitable for a romantic dinner as it does for sharing dinner with a large group.

Noteworthy
Parking is available in back of Brick & Mortar after 5 p.m. during the week and anytime on the weekends. … They also offer a weekday happy hour, catering options and online ordering, and delivery is available within a three-mile radius of the restaurant.

Expansion
Shemroon added a third room in November, taking over the former barber shop next door, which will be ideal for private parties and groups. Look for Asrin to “start creating a more diverse menu with options you won’t find anywhere else in the area,” including eventual breakfast items on the weekends.