It had been a while since we'd visited Garson Persian Restaurant (2926 Hillcroft), and it had undergone a major renovation. So we decided to give it a second look. We drove into an empty parking lot about 8:30 on a Sunday night. We were one of only three small groups there.
It was a cool night so we sat outside on the renovated patio surrounded by a solid stucco wall that blocked the busy Hillcroft traffic. Except for the deafening fire truck that went by, we easily could have been in a Mediterranean hideaway with the mood lighting and fountain.
To start, the extremely attentive waitress brought us an appetizer of creamy hummus, homemade pita, fresh feta, and mast museer, which we washed down with hot tea. Forget sweeteners or cream; give me this delicious, authentic tea intravenously.
I don't know if it was the hot, chewy pita or splash of olive oil on top, but the hummus made the dinner. The mast museer was an old favorite for everyone at the table but me. Unless you really love dill, you are not going to like the pungent flavor of this dish.
Three of us shared two entrees: barg, and scallops and chicken. The chunks of charbroiled rib eye in the barg were well done but still flavorful, while the chicken was moist. The entrees weren't bad but couldn't top the appetizers.
Next time we go, it will be for a late afternoon snack of hummus and crisp white wine on the patio. I doubt we will have to wait for a table.