17th Annual

Best of Louisville Awards

Louisville Magazine
July, 2002

Critics' Choice Winners

Best Restaurant Host
Majid Ghavami at Saffron's
The warmest welcome in town awaits you behind the front door of Saffron's, 131 W. Market St. Walk in and proprietor Majid Ghavami is right there with a handshake (or, if you're game, a kiss on the cheek), a heartfelt welcome and an invitation to make yourself at home.

Ghavami has been around Louisville’s restaurant scene since the '70s, perfecting his graciousness at the late Casa Grisanti and later at Vincenzo's. But it's as his own boss that he shines brightest. You can tell he really, really cares about your dining pleasure. If you've ordered a less-than-familiar Persian dish, he'll stop by your table to show you the best way to tackle it. He's a constant presence who takes care of you without ever being obtrusive. The guy's a natural. And it doesn't hurt that he's strikingly handsome, too.

Ghavami takes such a personal interest in his customers' well-being, it's not surprising that many of them take an interest right back. You'll often spy him seated at one of the tables, enjoying a conversation with a diner who's become a friend. Come here a few times and you'll start to feel like part of the family, too.

Honorable Mentions:
Anthony Dike, Le Relais: Passionate and professional.
Vincenzo Gabriele, Vincenzo's: The public face of an eccellentissimo Louisville institution.
Nancy Shepherd, Cafe Metro: Most likely to call you "Sugar."