Laili – 101B Cooper St
Laili offers the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, infused with a unique Afghan twist.
At Laili, our cuisine is a delicate balance between age-old Silk Road flavors and contemporary culinary excellence. We strive to provide fresh, organic, nourishing and delectable dishes, complimented with an array of authentic herbs, spices and exceptional ingredients.
Laili feature a beautiful outdoor patio, an eclectic array of beer and wine, and an atmosphere rich in taste and ambiance. We are open 7 days a week from 11:30 on.”
By Ann Parker, Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Owned by Afghan Wafi Amin, who also founded the 360 Gourmet World Grill burrito bars, Laili (‘LYE-lee’) is dedicated to the flavors and traditions of the Silk Road, a 5,000-mile trade route between the Mediterranean Sea and China.
‘You might say our caravan is in Afghanistan now,’ says Laili’s chef, Ryan Isaak, ‘but we’ll be traveling.’
The striking space was originally designed by local architect Mark Primack, working from just a facade left following the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. The location’s prior tenant was Cisco Systems; an Egyptian designer oversaw Laili’s six-month remodel, which included adding the open kitchen and removing walls.
Isaak says translating Amin’s traditional recipes into more accessible dishes was his greatest challenge. One way of pursuing that goal, says the chef, is by shopping at Santa Cruz farmers markets for organic and local produce. ‘Robin and Nancy at Four Sisters Farm have some wonderful erbette chard I’m looking forward to using.’
The most popular items on the menu include the anar chicken, pumpkin borani and pomegranate eggplant, says Isaak. Laili opened in mid-September.
Lilia
101B Cooper St.
http://www.lailirestaurant.com/
