I’ve already been getting emails about this new place — Laili — across from Annieglass on Cooper Street in downtown Santa Cruz. Billing its menu as “silk road flavors” – I’m feasting my eyes on a menu loaded with foothill India, Pakistani and Afghan flavors.

Beef kofta, aushak dumplings with Persian chives, pumpkin boranee, lamb kebabs, pomegranate eggplant, chicken with pomegranate sauce and roasted potatoes.

Immediately after Thanksgiving, I’m there.