Ep. 217 - Kimberly welcomes siblings and old friends Rouz and Mehrnoush Yazdanyar to discuss their journey transforming Rouz's 20-year-old restaurant, Zen Bistro, into their new family-owned concept: Yar on the Lake in Westlake Village, California. The siblings share their family's story of immigrating from Iran in 1983 and losing their father shortly after. They discuss how their mother, uncle, and Persian heritage shaped their commitment to community, generosity, and hospitality. They also discuss the full transformation of their 20 year old restaurant. Over a 3.5-month renovation, the team revamped the entire space, introduced an elevated menu, and hired a brand-new staff under General Manager Tracy and an Executive Chef. Yar Menu & Drink Favorites: Drinks: Rouz highlights fresh-ingredient cocktails like the YAR Margarita and Saffron 75, while Mehrnoush praises their classic kettle martini and a refreshing gin-based cocktail (Mediterranean Muse). Food: Standout dishes include 14-day dry-aged branzino, in-house baked breads and pastries, "Yar chips" (zucchini and eggplant over tzatziki), fresh-made calamari, and a unique hen-of-the-woods mushroom dish.
Chapter Timestamps:
1:03 – The Transition from Zen Bistro to a New Partnership
2:20 – How "YAR on the Lake" Got Its Name & Meaning
3:02 – The Emotional Story Behind Choosing the Space
4:46 – Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic & Outdoor Patio
9:40 – Immigrating from Iran to Westlake Village
10:37 – Persian Hospitality & Rebranding the Restaurant
12:08 – Family Roots & Leaving Iran in the 1980s
14:20 – Overcoming Business Challenges & Building Team Culture
16:42 – Rouz's 20-Year Journey & The Renovation Process
18:24 – Hiring a Top-Tier Staff & Hands-on Training
22:43 – Building the Outdoor Community Bar & Dining Area
25:34 – Honoring Their Late Father & Mother's Generosity
28:18 – Personal Loss, Grief, and Keeping Memories Alive
32:53 – Reflecting on Human Rights, Freedom, and Iranian Culture
37:37 – Rapid Fire: Favorite Specialty Drinks & Cocktails
40:17 – Rapid Fire: Must-Try Menu Dishes (Dry-Aged Branzino, Breads, Dips)
43:41 – Closing Remarks & Where to Find YAR on the Lake
Visit Yar on the Lake: https://yaronthelake.com/
See Yar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yaronthelake/
Follow Kimberly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlylovi/