Eid-i Shoma Mobarak or Happy Norooz

The ancient celebration of Norooz officially began in Cupertino at 10:14 p.m. Monday, but the Persian New Year celebration lasts for days so there's still time to celebrate. And at the joyous occasion begins in the lobby where the traditional haft-seen table is on display.

All items placed on a haft-seen table begin with the Persian letter 's'. For example there's garlic to symbolize medicine, fish stand for life, an apple represents beauty and health, eggs reflect fertility, and vinegar means patience and age, owner Fera Hashemi says.

Norooz, which coincides with the vernal equinox, means "new day" and include cultural customs such as spring cleaning of the home, buying new clothes, and visiting family, friends and neighbors.

Arya's celebration is extended to customers with a special Norooz menu with traditional Persian food, and Persian music and belly dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

A fixed menu on those evenings include such popular items as sabzi polo mahi with kookoo sabzi, which is white fish with egg whites and fresh greens.

"It looks like a mini quiche," Hashemi says.

On March 26 and 27 the Persian theme continues, this time as part of , which benefits West Valley Community Services. Half of the proceeds from the event—advance purchase tickets  are $24 and at the door prices are $26—go straight to the nonprofit that serves the less fortunate in the communities of Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and West San Jose.

The menu for Taste of Compassion includes such dishes as Arya salad, boneless chicken kebab, Lubia Polo (basmati rice mixed with green beans, tomato sauce and diced beef, served with a skewer of ground beef kebab), Adas Polo with chicken (basmati rice mixed with raisins, lentils, dates and saffron, served with chicken), or Zereshk Polo (basmati rice with barberries mixed with saffron, served with chicken).

Plus a choice of stews, such as Ghemeih Bademjoon (eggplant cooked in a special tomato sauce with yellow peas, served with beef and aside of basmati rice topped with saffron), Fesenjoon (walnut pomegranate sauce mixed with boiled chicken and served with a side of basmati topped with saffron), or Curry (a special spicy curry with chicken, served with basmati rice topped with saffron). Vegetarian options are available.

And, of course, dessert which is a chocolate duet.

For more information visit www.TasteOfCompassion.org