I’ve known of Reza’s for quite some time: I’ve eaten there on more occasions than I can count, but it wasn’t until the first meeting of the Renderosity photo Ninjas that the restaurant became something of a personal talisman: a reminder of the good things that exist in cities like Chicago. When I think of Reza’s, I think of particular people: all of whom are associated—in some way—with cameras. I invariably remember pomegranate-smothered chicken, and the pure bliss of consuming such a dish. Until the Renderosity Photo Ninjas settled down to eat, I had no idea that chicken, walnuts, and pomegranates could go so well together. Tara ordered the dish, and the chicken—as I remember—was dangerously tender and addictively succulent. The company, that night, was excellent. Tara returned to a Chicago visit, with Bill, and again, a smaller group of photo ninjas descended upon Rezas and enjoyed more of the same (with Sangria) and the food was as intoxicatingly heavenly as before. The Sangria had chunks of fresh apple in it. Yummy. I took this photo of Reza’s while walking around after work. I wasn’t in the mood to return immediately to Berwyn, not with such intense sunlight to take advantage of. I passed Reza’s, sniffed the air for signs of chicken smothered with pomegranate/walnut sauce, but all I really noticed was a pre-spring chill, and a woody scent, derived from someone’s fireplace. Ah, but the light was amazing, and I had no idea that the actual sign announcing Reza’s presence was so massive! Ah, but it should be! In honor of Tara’s birthday, here is an image of a place that serves marvelous Persian food. It’s a good place to spend birthdays, mind you…and so without further ado: Happy Birthday Tara and may it last all year long.