New Paymon’s location adds a few different touches
Paymon’s introduces some changes with its third valley location, Paymon’s Mediterranean Bistro, at the Arts Factory, 107 E. Charleston Blvd. None are on the menu, which should please fans of the healthy Mediterranean fare it serves at 4147 S. Maryland Parkway and 8380 W. Sahara Ave. In fact, the chef is Robert Rodriguez, who served as the kitchen manager of the Maryland Parkway location for six years.
No, the changes are on the walls. Paymon’s — named for owner Paymon Raouf, an Iranian immigrant who began the chain in 1988 — has come to mean Moroccan rugs and hookah pipes. But the newest location is mostly contemporary art and fixtures.
“We wanted to reflect the Arts District,” says general manager Jeff Ecker, “to allow the Arts District to create the ambience.”
The hookah lounge concept is smoked, too — mostly because there was a third less space than Paymon’s is used to operating in.
“That’s why we call it a bistro,” Ecker says.
Ecker says Paymon’s can survive in the space formerly occupied by Tinoco’s Bistro — which moved to the Las Vegas Club last year — because, with the exception of First Fridays, it’s closed for dinner.
“That will help us survive the economic downturn,” he says.
The Arts District did not become the thriving night life hub local merchants were hoping for a couple of years back, when plans for a concert arena were drawn and rents briefly skyrocketed. Yet, Ecker says, the neighborhood still supports hundreds of 9-to-5’ers who like to eat healthier than the neighborhood allowed until Paymon’s opened in June.
“We’ve been so busy during lunchtime, we’re having some issues with wait times,” he says.
Paymon’s seats 85 at its 21 tables. Operating hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, and 5-9 p.m. First Fridays. Reservations are not recommended, but are accepted for 11-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Signature dish: Tilapia Florentine, $13.95
Starters: Hummus, $5.50; falafel platter, $6.95; Athens fries, $2.95
Soups and salads: Lentil soup, $2.95/$6.25; gyros salad, $9.75; bruschette salad, $9.25
Entrees: Farfalle Piedmonte, $12.95; chicken curry, $13.95; broiled chicken kebab, $14.95
Desserts: Greek rice pudding, $3.95; baklava, $5.25; chocolate fudge cake, $6.95
By COREY LEVITAN