Published: May 01. 2010 2:00AM

By Renata Parker
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The inspiration for a restaurant comes from many different places. For Ali Saifi, the successful South Carolina restaurateur, an idea for a new restaurant would be more about a deep love for his culture than it would be about business. Named for the fruit that Saifi says reminded him so much of his heritage, Pomegranate on Main transports you to an authentic Persian experience, from the Mediterranean décor to the extensive menu full of traditional flavors.

“Opening Pomegranate was a very personal decision,” said Saifi, who emigrated from southern Persia in 1973. “It was a natural decision for me to select Greenville as the location for the restaurant. Greenville is very welcoming to new cultures and the people here are open to experiencing new cuisine from other countries. Pomegranate is my love revealed and my way for sharing this wonderful culture and the many delicious flavors of Persia.”

Delicious they are. The chef-inspired dishes are created from family recipes handed down through generations. Persian cuisine is prepared straightforwardly with simple, fresh ingredients like fire-grilled salmon, chicken, beef, lamb and vegetables. Few seasonings are used, as grilling intensifies the sweetness and natural flavors. The majority of the entrees are served with basmati or saffron rice, which, as Saifi explains, is more substantial than long-grain rice because of the four processes needed for preparation. Pomegranate serves its savory basmati rice with lima beans and dill, barberries or lentils and raisins.

Dust your rice with fresh crushed sumac, which richly partners with the roasted tomato. According to Saifi, it's customary to dice up the tomato and mix it with the rice and the grilled kabob pieces.

“In Persia, we are slow eaters,” said Saifi. “We savor every bite.” Saifi says the cuisine at Pomegranate is inherently healthy. The majority of the entrees are 400 calories and under and are gluten-free.

Try a sample of starter portions, such as the Shirazi Salad, fresh cucumbers tossed with onion, parsley and Persian citrus dressing, or roasted eggplant with garlic or the fresh hummus and warm pita points.

Sip a signature Pomegranate Martini, which is popular year-round but especially refreshing when served on the terrace, where you can enjoy live music or the soothing sounds of the fountain.

Or try Saifi's special blend of five different teas which is elegantly served on stunning pewter trays designed by Saifi's artist sister. Each serving tray shares a piece of Persian history through an intricate engraving of Persepolis.

“I want to do anything I can to make this city shine even better,” said Saifi. His devotion to the restaurant's every detail makes Pomegranate an authentic culinary journey right on Main Street. www.pomegranateonmain.com