CLOSED, JUNE 2009
Lansdowne Towne Centre
19385 Promenade Dr.
Leesburg, VA
(571) 333-4930
Friendly wait staff greeted us from the moment we sat down- I couldn’t tell you who our waiter was- it seemed like everyone was filling glasses, delivering food, clearing pates and ensuring that we enjoyed our visit. Even though a party of 20 came in shortly after we placed our order- they seamlessly tended to our every need. The tableware is worth mentioning- triangular, artistic, pure white pieces that fit together easily to make room for the many dishes you will cover your table with. Makes so much more sense than round plates… I may buy some myself!
We ordered a large variety of foods- so I could have more fodder for my research, of course- my family loves that I am Aphioni! Two appetizers started our adventure: Aushak – ravioli stuffed with scallions, chives and spices, topped with ground beef & dusted with dry mint, and Mantoo – steamed dumplings, stuffed with ground beef and onions & dusted with cumin. Both come drizzled with a seasoned yogurt sauce, which our waiter told us “really made the flavor.” He was right. If food were music, the yogurt sauce was the final piquant chord that brought all of the other elements into harmony. These square pockets of fresh tastes had unique character although they looked very similar.
Next, we warmed up with a hearty homemade soup filled with diced vegetables, lentils, minced beef all in a slightly creamy, light tomato base. (I can’t remember the name but it’s the third one on the menu.) It was a meal in itself, and yet another original combination of spices and accents… notably among the most interesting and satisfying soups I’ve ever tasted. I soaked up the remnants using the gratis flatbread sprinkled with sesame and caraway seeds. I wasn’t too hungry so I snacked on a side of Sabzi- cooked garlicky spinach with a dollop of vegetable sauce- yum- and picked off of my son’s and husband’s plates.
The main dishes were- in a word- divine. If you can wrestle your kids away from chicken strips and fries, bribe them to try the Chicken Kabob on the kid’s menu. Juicy, tender, marinated boneless chunks of chicken breast on a skewer, mildly flavored to be kid friendly- served with fluffy rice, sweet carrots and spinach to be parent friendly.
My husband devoured the crowning entrée, Kabuli Palaw- baked rice topped with sautéed carrots, raisins & almonds, served with chunks of lamb stew, and sides of Sabzi and a potato dish I wasn’t familiar with. He’s not a fan of lamb but the aromas upon entering Silk Road made him go against his grain & give it a try. We were all so glad he did- the juicy meat fell apart at the touch of a fork, and was completely infused with the traditional Afghan seasonings of cardamom, cumin and (I think) a touch of coriander. There was nary an ounce of fat on the plate, and not a scrap left when we were done.
I’ve read that to leave an Afghan table hungry is- well- it simply doesn’t happen. And I understand why. Silk Road isn’t the place to go when you are in a hurry. It’s not that the service is slow- it’s not- it’s very efficient and well-executed; the courses are meted out so you don’t feel rushed. But Silk Road creates the kind of authentic cuisine you savor and enjoy every bite of- you don’t shovel it down so you can catch the beginning of Grey’s Anatomy.
Linger over a steaming cup of coffee or cardamom tea- if you enjoy Chai, you will be delighted with the light, aromatic flavor of this tea, as well as its digestive aid properties. Save room & time to try one of the gourmet, fresh cakes provided by Cafe Rumi, or one of Silk Road’s home made desserts, like the Sheerbaranj- Afghan rice pudding with a light dusting of cardamom & crushed pistachios. I’ve never had rice pudding quite so dense and fragrant- it wasn’t rich but I could only eat half before I was fully satiated by the creamy sweetness.
Afghan cuisine not only tastes delicious, but it feels good too. No grease or heavy breading, all fresh ingredients and herbs, and obvious pride in the presentation and preparation of each dish that makes you feel special to have dined here… without a doubt~
Silk Road Passes With Flying Colors! 
By the way- the McDonalds offer…? As we left, he asked if we could return to Silk Road soon so he could order the lamb stew for himself- score one for mom.
Good perfume is known by its own scent rather than the perfumer’s own advertisement. ~Afghan Proverb
