SHALIZAAR - Key Persons
Afshin Abbasi has been in the restaurant business since 1995 and has worked with some of the best names in the industry including Chef Bradley Ogden, who is one of America's best chefs and is known as the pioneer of updating and modernizing American cuisine. Abbasi gained a wholesome experience working at Chef Ogden's restaurant in Santa Clara. He also has abundant experience in the hospitality industry, having worked for Marriott for 3 years and Embassy Suites for 2 years.
In addition to his excellent cooking skills, Afshin Abbasi has his wine knowledge and skills from master sommelier Randall Bertao as well as Robert Sharp, who is also a recognized sommelier.
Saeed Ayagh has been associated with the restaurant business for a very long time. He and his family were a part of Iran's restaurant industry from 1978 until Saeed moved to California in 1994. From then on, he worked for Iranian restaurants until 1996. In late 1996, he opened his own restaurant and called it Shalizaar. The rest is history.