Emil and Evania, visionary restauranteur and progressive belly dance promoter in a location That reveres beauty, harmony, history and legendary cuisine…   Many know that Afghanistan is at the center of the Ancient silk Road- the crossroads of a civilization that stretches back more than 5000 years. At the crossroads of Baseline and Carnelian street in Rancho Cucamonga, on Sunday evening at the Rancho Kabob and Grill (aka Afghan Palace), Charming Emil will sit and talk philosophy and mysticism with you while you are surrounded by the sites, sounds, tastes and delicious smells of a more ancient crossroads. An Afghanistan most will never see.

Open since December 2006, Shambala reborn.   This world is untouched by strife, where symbols from genuine tribal culture, Islamic mysticism, Hinduism and Buddhism mix together. The incredible murals of tribesmen and the historic Bamian stone Buddhas, woven hangings, traditional  robes and carpets will remind of what the world should be. Wonderful food is served and dancers are treated like Princesses while champagne  flows. There's a sizeable stage. The food is more than ample and very reasonably priced.

Middle Eastern music is live, and played by 3 musicians on the evening I perform…one from   Palestine (Maurice Metri), one from Turkey (a young drummer who knows the Roma 9/8!)   and one from America (Vern).  If Emil the owner decides to dance with you, he may also do a handstand  and stroll across the stage upside down. His wife and family members also love good times and humor, and they work with Emil to create this paradise.They also will join in with Afghan style social dance, and the good vibe (more than encouraged by Ivania) is just unbelievable. Ivania, a gorgeous  red haired dancer (you should go to see her as she performs on Saturdays), creates a night in this Shangrila once a month that is packed to maximum occupancy. Her promotional skills are second to none, her respect and kindness most appreciated…and I am greeted by a large poster  with my photo on it attached to the front door….its been there at least a couple of months, and good looking flyers have been out as long…everywhere.

Open dancing is encouraged. Each month, the evening  features  visiting name dancers from around the Los Angeles, Orange County and Riversid e areas. I was deeply moved by my experience here. I gave a belly dance show  that featured folkloric movements from Afghani traditional dance and Asia minor,  whirling, Turkish and Arabic  styles, floorwork, also a 4 sword routine, and I was costumed in antique coins and sari fabric with a skirt over  shalwar and a yeleck vest with removable long split sleeves. I entered with a hand dyed silk veil attached to my head dress and tucked in at each hip, which I removed as I danced and tied around my waist like a sash before a longer veil routine later in the show…the sash also functioned as the "veil"…..  I played zills with pairs from 2 different sets. This was the real test. It was all most welcome, understood, and enjoyed, as people later swore the head dress was Turkish (influence) and the coins and jewelry  pieces were ancient (they are), and the movements were named and rhythms (Roma 9/8, cabaret 9/8) recognized. I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming as the years rolled back. For those who remember the Fez and other amazing restaurants from long ago, and for those who have only heard about them, this is the place   that will bring you back. And then some. It lives! Old style Arabic, Folkloric and folkloric fusion welcome!   Emil's business card, with National Geographic's "Girl with Green Eyes" and the Bamanian Buddha says, "Live the Myth"….and you will. Rancho Kabob and Grill- 8685 Baseline Rd. Ranco Cucamonga, Ca. 91730 (909)-466-3723