Business Spotlight: Bijan's

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It's Wednesday night at Bijan's, and patrons are seated around the restaurant's open cooking area drinking in the aroma of exotic spices, which have been used to prepare the entres that are cooking on the grill. Behind the counter, several cooks are hard at work, including head chef Mike Jalili, who co-owns the restaurant with his brother, Billy, and Billy's wife Sara. |ret||ret||tab|

Seated on a stool at the front of the restaurant is Richard Bruton, who plays soulful jazz tunes on his saxophone at Bijan's Wednesday through Saturday nights. |ret||ret||tab|

At a nearby table is a patron who's trying to decide which martini to get. The choice isn't an easy one because there are quite a few flavored martinis to choose from. He finally decides to order an Angel on Acid, one of Bijan's specialty martinis, which contains stoli vanil, frangelico, blue curacao and a little cream. The martini turns out to be quite smooth definitely more angel than acid. |ret||ret||tab|

"The cayenne-red walls and black ceiling in here make people want to drink wine and martinis," said Sara Jalili. "Seriously, we just want people to relax and have a good time when they come here. It's not just about great food. We want them to enjoy the whole dining experience."|ret||ret||tab|

The Jalilis opened Bijan's in 1996. At the time, most new businesses were vying for real estate in south Springfield. The Jalilis, however, wanted "a building with a little bit of character," so they began scouring the downtown area. Eventually, they purchased a building at 209 E. Walnut St. and hired Michael Sapp and Associates, a Springfield architectural firm, which helped turn their thoughts and ideas into a restaurant with an unmistakable atmosphere. |ret||ret||tab|

"We planned out every single detail before we opened," said Sara Jalili, who is responsible for Bijan's colorful dcor. "We wanted to give Springfieldians something that was just a little bit different."|ret||ret||tab|

Bijan's upscale and cozy atmosphere also has helped make it a favored location among many of Springfield's up-and-comers, as well as couples who are on their first date. Other diners bring their dates to Bijan's because they're looking for the perfect spot to pop the big question. |ret||ret||tab|

"We've put engagement rings in cham-pagne glasses and done all kinds of things," said Sara Jalili. "One fellow even bought the couch that was upstairs because that's where his fiance was sitting when he met her."|ret||ret||tab|

Over the years, Bijan's has played host to several celebrities, including John Goodman, Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Local politicians such as U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and his son Matt, who is Missouri's Secretary of State, also have dined at the restaurant.|ret||ret||tab|

Bijan's regular customers frequent the restaurant for a variety of reasons. Some come strictly for the cuisine, while others come to mingle in the restaurant's cigar and martini lounge, which has its own walk-in humidor.|ret||ret||tab|

The thing that really makes Bijan's stand out, however, is its extensive wine list. Patrons can choose from more than 350 varieties of wine in an assortment of price ranges. Diners can buy wine by the glass or order by the bottle.|ret||ret||tab|

"We have about 3,000 bottles of wine in stock," said Mike Jalili. "Some people think that's a lot of wine, but I don't. We want the people who dine here to be able to find the perfect wine to complement their meal."|ret||ret||tab|

Bijan's extensive wine list hasn't gone unnoticed. During the past four years, Wine Spectator magazine has given Bijan's its Award of Excellence.|ret||ret||tab|

In 2001, Bijan's won 417 Magazine's awards for Best Restaurant, Best Special Occasion Restaurant, Best Steak, Best Service and Best Wine List. |ret||ret||tab|

Bijan's does change some things, however, including its menu. Periodically, Mike Jalili will revamp the menu to include dishes that contain seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs, most of which are purchased locally. Jalili also likes to change the menu so the restaurant's regular patrons don't get tired of eating the same cuisine. |ret||ret||tab|

"When I cook, I cook with passion," he said. "I enjoy creating new dishes for people to enjoy."|ret||ret||tab|

Jalili's passion for cooking and creating new dishes has helped keep Bijan's competitive. According to Jalili, approximately 11 restaurants have opened in downtown Springfield since Bijan's opened in 1996, and real estate prices in the area are rising.|ret||ret||tab|

The Jalilis are working on expanding their onsite catering business, which they believe will help keep them a step ahead of the competition. They're also working to attract business for their new banquet facility, Bijan's Under the Tower, which opened in December 2001 and is located at 320 S. Patton St. The facility can seat up to 125 people and is used for business meetings, birthday parties, wedding rehearsal dinners and other special events. |ret||ret||tab|

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