A Special Spring Episode of Lunch with Shelley
Welcome back to the latest episode of Lunch with Shelley! As the seasons change and the weather finally begins to warm up, we are thrilled to bring you a brand-new conversation filled with incredible food, rich cultural traditions, and a truly inspiring personal story.
Meet Shahab Farivar and the Beloved Peacock Café
Today’s special guest is the wonderful Shahab Farivar. Alongside his brother, Chef Maziar, Shahab is the co-owner of the famous and deeply beloved Peacock Café. Nestled right in the bustling, historic heart of Georgetown in Washington, D.C., this restaurant has become an absolute staple for locals and visitors alike.
If you have ever had the pleasure of dining at Peacock Café—or even if you’ve just strolled past its inviting storefront—you have undoubtedly seen Shahab’s warm, smiling face. As the front of the house, Shahab is the soul of the restaurant’s hospitality, ensuring every single guest feels like family the moment they walk through the doors. Meanwhile, his brother Maziar works his culinary magic behind the scenes, overseeing the phenomenal menu and the delicious, high-quality food that has earned Peacock Café its stellar, long-standing reputation.
Celebrating Norouz: The Persian New Year
Because Shahab is originally from Iran, we made it a special point to schedule this podcast recording to coincide with the Persian New Year, widely known as Norouz.
Norouz is a breathtaking, 3,000-year-old holiday tradition that marks the exact moment of the vernal equinox, officially welcoming the first day of spring. Over the course of this vibrant 13-day holiday, the people of Iran and the Persian diaspora worldwide celebrate renewal and new beginnings by exchanging heartfelt gifts and feasting together on deeply symbolic foods. Sharing this experience and celebrating with Shahab on a simply beautiful, sun-drenched spring day was an absolute joy and a true highlight of our show.
A Journey of Resilience, Culture, and Culinary Success
In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of these beautiful traditions. We discuss everything you need to know about Norouz, from the incredible, flavor-packed dishes to the meaningful family customs that surround the holiday season.
But our conversation goes much deeper than just food and festivities. We also tuck into Shahab’s deeply personal journey of immigrating from Iran to the United States. We take time to discuss the realities of the current situation in Iran, offering a poignant and important look at his homeland today. Finally, we trace the fascinating business journey of Peacock Café, exploring exactly how Shahab and Maziar grew their vision into the mainstay Georgetown institution it is today.
Grab a Chair and Tune In
There is so much wisdom, warmth, and history packed into this episode, and we cannot wait to share it with you. Grab a chair, get comfortable, and join us for this unforgettable and delicious conversation with Shahab Farivar!
