A large group of us met at Treadwell on the UES to compete in their Monday night trivia as advertised on their site and at their restaurant. We had brought a couple of ringers. When we arrived, they told us they had replaced trivia night with college football.

We quickly regrouped and decided to find a place to dine. You don’t generally go to Treadwell for the food unless you’re there to play trivia.

I had been to the Murray Hill location of Ravagh Persian Grill after a visit to the Morgan Library, so I knew it was a good substitution.

We were seated at a table in the bar area, where we could converse easily. They served both spicy cilantro and a cream sauce for dipping in the warm bread. We were happy. We shared some apps and skewers with two kebabs as a portion, along with a humongous amount of rice.

I recommend their hummus ($10) of crushed chickpeas, tahini paste and house special seasonings; the crisp dumplings stuffed with more chickpeas and herbs with a spicy chutney ($10 for 4); and the traditional saskh-gademjan of eggplant with Persian whey, topped with sauteed onions.

Ravagh Persian Grill
1135 First Ave
New York NY 10065
(212) 861-7900
ravaghrestaurants.com/