In a late summer eve, the Pasha in one of his Saray’s (Palaces) in Lebanon, one of Turkey’s most admired colonies, screamed at his guards to bring him the best Pastry Chefs in the Saray. The Pashas at the time was the most feared dictators of their times, ruled without mercy, compassion or respect for human lives.
The Story goes that the Pasha had his eyes on a beautiful woman and he wanted to make a big impression. His idea was to make her a dessert original enough to be unlike anything he has ever tasted, something that had never been done before.
Summoning that Pastry Chef was all about that creation. He wanted to have that Sweet dessert ready that evening or the poor guy would disappoint the Pasha and anger him, and whoever disappoint the Pasha usually had his head publicly chopped.
That is how the concept of Aaysh Essaraya came about that afternoon by that poor pastry maker. It was a hit with the Pasha who was delighted by the results, and a very positive result with his Beautiful guest. The dessert was then named Aaysh Essaraya referencing the Palace Dessert. (Aaysh means Bread or food of the Saraya or Palaces)
Why this story?
To give you the background of this dessert only, and nothing else. Because our Aaysh Essaraya may share the name of what became the Pasha’s favorite dessert during and after that hot date, but it does not share anything else. The set up perhaps, but here at ALFORON, we’ll be sharing our experience with you in this story, but more so we will be sharing one of the most treasured Desserts ever made. As old as this dessert is; the recipe has evolved through the years. It has definitely evolved with me for the last thirty or so years. It now has such original spices and delicate balance that would be extremely hard to duplicate or even come close to duplicate. Spices that embodies this dessert, so unique and so rare in pairing together. I have had years of fun trying to get it to this perfection.
It is with our deepest most cherished pride and true joy that I and my wife bring this dessert to San Diegans in this Small and Humble Restaurant.
Enjoy it, Savor It and let everyone knows about your experience.
ALFORON
619 269 9904
5965 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
U.S.A.