From the Roman Roads to Persian Hills A Story Woven in Color
About Our History
Where the story began
Long ago, when the Roman Republic thrived, Massimo left his Tuscan village to explore the East, his soul restless for adventure. His journey led him through Anatolia and across the Zagros Mountains until he reached Gilan, a lush Persian province by the Caspian Sea. In the bustling bazaar of Lahijan, he met Shirin, a merchant's daughter with dark hair and eyes like midnight. She wore a flowing green dress embroidered with red roses and white accents-colors that tugged at something familiar in Massimo's heart. Their connection began with curiosity. Despite the language barrier, Shirin became Massimo's guide, showing him the wonders of Gilan: the misty forests, the art of basket weaving, and dishes like smoky mirza ghasemi and tangy torshi tareh.
Massimo's admiration for Shirin grew, drawn to her kindness and the beauty she found in simple things. One evening, walking by the Caspian, Massimo noticed Shirin's scarf of green, white, and red. His eyes widened. "Your flag... it's the same as mine." Shirin's eyes softened. "What do your colors mean?" "Green for our land, white for peace, red for courage," he said. "For us," she replied, "green is the lush hills, white is purity, and red is the passion in our hearts." Their flags, their hearts, their worlds-bound by shared colors and dreams.
Massimo knew he had found his place. Choosing love over wandering, he settled in Gilan, teaching Roman construction methods while learning the art of tea cultivation and Persian storytelling. Their love became a symbol of unity between two worlds, woven together by the simplest threads. In the hills of Gilan, their story lived on— a testament to how distant souls could find harmony through shared dreams. Massimo Restaurant
