A Glittering, Spacious
Restaurant Is Inaugurated in Pomona
Pakistan Link Report
Above:
Spacious banquet hall of Shalimar. Below: Glimpses
of the inauguration ceremony |
The inauguration ceremony
of Shalimar Restaurant in Pomona on May 26 was a lively
event enjoyed evenly by the invitees and the hosts. Attended
by the community’s leading lights and prominent figures,
the ceremony was held in the spacious hall of the restaurant,
by far the most commodious and roomy among the Pakistani
restaurants in the Greater Los Angeles area. The décor
too is appealing. Everything appeared spick-and-span. The
food served was delicious and enjoyed by all and sundry.
The arrangements were so perfect that Mrs. Tabatai, wife
of the late Brigadier Tabatabai who was well-known in literary
circles, announced that Shalimar would be the venue of the
next mushaira to be held in the Los Angeles area. Mr. Ashraf
Ali, President of the Pakistani-American Arts Council, was
the emcee of the evening and enlivened the proceedings with
his well-meaning remarks. Mr. Ali suggested that a meeting
of community members should be held at Shalimar every month
to take advantage of its décor, food and the management’s
hospitality.
The setting had a striking
Pakistani touch. The owners have imported a container full
of handicraft from Pakistan that seemed to lend a familiar
look to the setting. Quite a few invitees were surprised
to see a motor rickshaw at the entrance with the message
“Maan ki dua, Pappoo yar tang na kar.”
The restaurant is owned by two brothers – Rashid Siddiqui
and Amir Siddiqui - who have been involved in community
affairs for several years now. Rashid used to arrange shows
sometime back. Their father, late Qasim Siddiqui, was also
a prominent community member and is still remembered for
his services. The two brothers have the active support of
their wives –Roohi Siddiqui and Mrs Amir - in the
laudable undertaking of running the Shalimar Restaurant.
A singular feature of the evening was the respect shown
to the seniors. The mother of Rashid and Amir, Mrs Qasim
Siddiqui,was escorted to the dais with great propriety and
show of affection by her sons and bahoos. She prayed for
the success of the restaurant as any loving Pakistani mother
would do.
The management has hired Chinese and Pakistani chefs who
prepare dishes. Besides Pakistanis, the restaurant has a
good number of regular non-Pakistani clients who enjoy the
delicious halal food and relax in the ideal surroundings.
For good food in a tasteful setting Shalimar should be an
ideal choice for everyone.
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