“It’s close to my heart,” he says. “Before opening Golestan, the best Persian food I ever ate was my mother’s,” he says. “We want to bring those authentic, home-cooked flavors and traditions to our guests.”

The 5,000-square-foot space pairs homegrown inspiration with a polished, modern setting. Persian rugs suspended overhead, colorful tilework on the floor, florals abound, and arched doorways nod to traditional design, while an open kitchen puts the focus on the chefs at work. The result is what Naraghi describes as elevated but welcoming.

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“We don’t want to modernize it too much; it’s what would you experience in Tehran in the ’70s and ’80s in terms of portions, flavors, and plate composition,” Naghari says.

Chef Victor Gonzalez Rodriguez is in the kitchen, bringing more than 20 years of experience in cooking Persian cuisine. The lamb shank, slow-braised until tender in a turmeric and dried lime broth, is a personal favorite of Naraghi, who grew up eating versions of the dish at home. Starters like mirza ghasemi, a smoky eggplant dip with tomato and garlic, are served with house-made flatbread, herbs, feta, and walnuts, nodding to the communal way Persian meals are often shared. Guests can order individual plates or ask for their food served on a shareable platter of rice dishes, kebabs, and sides. It’s a style intentionally reminiscent of dining in Iran decades ago, with an emphasis on generous portions and balance rather than reinvention.

Courtesy of Orion Media

The beverage program weaves Persian ingredients and influences throughout. Cocktails, developed in collaboration with mixologist Daryush Noorbehesht, highlight flavors such as saffron, pistachio, quince, barberry, and sour cherry. Drinks like Leila’s Lips showcase the menu’s balance of tart and aromatic elements. The wine list leans international, with selections from New Zealand, California, France, and Italy alongside lesser-known Lebanese bottles chosen for their compatibility with Persian flavors like cardamom and black tea. Beer spans both local drafts—including SweetWater and Creature Comforts—and a Persian-inspired label, Back Home Beer, brewed by an Iranian-American using family recipes.

For Naraghi, Peachtree Corners was a strategic choice. He saw a gap in the market and an opportunity to introduce something new to the neighborhood. Ultimately, Naraghi’s ambitions extend beyond one location. The name Golestan means “garden of roses,” and reflects a vision of gathering, hospitality, and growth.

“We want guests to feel as though they’ve been welcomed into someone’s home,” he says.

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Courtesy of Orion Media

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta is collecting supplies to help community members who lack access to cool spaces or water during the ongoing heat.

The organization is asking for donations of bottled water, reusable bottles, sunscreen, fans and similar items.

What to donate and where to drop off

Jonathan Raymer, major and area commander for the Salvation Army of Augusta, said the need will carry into July.

“It’s not going to get any cooler in July, right? We all live here. And so those are supplies we can definitely use going into next month,” Raymer said.

Raymer said donated items will go directly to people in the community who are in need.

“Any of those kind of things that you are able — or maybe you have some in excess of — if you want to donate those, we can use those for sure for those people in our community who are in need for that,” he said.

Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Center of Hope, the Kroc Center or any Salvation Army Family Store. Or you can buy an item on the organization’s wishlist.

Club exercises Tamara Bolt’s 2027 option, extends Madison Haugen through end of season

Washington, D.C. (06/30/2026) – The Washington Spirit has made two midseason roster moves ahead of the resumption of the regular season early next month, the club announced today. The club has exercised its 2027 option on forward Tamara Bolt’s contract and extended short-term injury replacement (STR) player Madison Haugen through the end of the 2026 season.

“As we look ahead to kicking off the second half of the season, we’re confident in the group of players we have together and our midseason roster moves reflect that,” said Sporting Director James Hocken. “Our roster is constantly evolving to best serve the club’s aim of bringing trophies home to DC.”

Bolt signed with the Spirit in January 2025 before spending the calendar year on loan with Dallas Trinity FC of the USL Super League. Since returning to DC prior to this season, the Salvador, Brazil native has appeared in five matches for the Spirit. Bolt played three seasons with top-flight Brazilian side SC Internacional before joining the Spirit, appearing in 36 matches and tallying six goals in the process.

Haugen joined the Spirit as a short-term injury replacement player this past preseason, adding depth to the team’s roster in the absence of its players out on maternity leave. The defender has yet to appear in a match for the Spirit this season. Haugen most recently competed for Portugal’s Sporting CP, scoring five goals across 21 appearances.

The Spirit maintains ongoing conversations with all players that will be free agents following the 2026 season. Updates will be provided as they occur.

The Spirit will next take the pitch at Audi Field on Friday, July 3 when the side returns from the NWSL-wide June break to host the Houston Dash. Kicking off the holiday weekend at 8 p.m. EDT, tickets are available at WashingtonSpirit.com/tickets.

About The Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit is the premier professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C. and plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. The Spirit was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the fastest growing sports league in the US. The club is home to some of the best players in the world who have won championships for both club and country. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.