but aseem is tougher than me. >> by the time i got here, i was 23 years old. '83 in new york city wasough place. i did pretty much what every immigrant would do, you put a survival gear on. it's a big deal in iran. guests and hospitality gathering through food. people knock on your door and bring you an offering made with love. i was the first one to jump on the door. it means a lot of things for me. culture, tradition, and all of that. that is all about community. and this is what i finally have made for myself here. that community. ♪ >> most of persian food in america is kebabs. you want people to know more than that. >> part of me was questioning, why nobody does our food in a real authentic way? we have such a rich culture from north to south of iran. the flavors, the kind of food, they remain so close to my heart. >> i was invited here by a couple of friends who love this place because it connects them to their good times in iran. >> so the first reaction before i left was from all my american friends who are like, you want to do what? you're going to go where? >> james, an irani