Borzi Knows Bistro Fariborz "Borzi" Marashi, owner of the Oakway Wine and Deli since July 2006, is a seasoned veteran of the Eugene restaurant scene. His passion for both the business and the culinary arts was fueled in the late 1970s while attending the UO. "I always had an interest in cooking, feeding and entertaining people," says Marashi. Fariborz "Borzi" Marashi and Shawn Rahimian It was in college that he met his future restaurant partner, Shawn Rahimian. There, the two bonded over their shared love of all things culinary. But it wouldn't be until years later that they would combine their efforts and talent. Though Marashi and Rahimian have had their hands full with other restaurants — Café Glendi and Johnny Ocean's — the two took the opportunity last summer to take over as owners of the Oakway Wine and Deli. They have revamped the dinner menu, which was not as popular as the American-style lunch menu. Marashi and Rahimian have added more international cuisine like lamb shanks — Marashi's favorite — as well as choice seafood from Newman's Fish Market and organic beef and poultry from Long's Meat Market. "Any changes that I've made have been in the form of specials," says Marashi, who has used his background in dinner cuisine to enhance their menu items. They're also working on expanding their already generous wine menu. "Food and wine are such natural partners," says Marashi. Marashi says one of the perks of this restaurant is its size and location. Having two kitchens for catering orders, restaurant orders and baked goods like cheesecake and truffles certainly helps the multidimensional business that needs extra space to keep up with customer demand. Marashi also enjoys the European feel that the open courtyard of the Oakway Center creates, especially during summer nights. Under the night sky and old oak trees, you get "a little flair that you don't see anywhere else." — Amanda Burhop     Little Italys | El Taco Express | Three Forks | Cheaper Eats | Super Natural Cooking | Wandering Goat | Hartwick's | Oakway Wine and Deli |